Comments

I did not miss your point about the cougars paving the way
for other non-AQs to bust the BCS. You suggested the '01 cougars were evidence
that the system that existed in '04 did not exist in '01. But it did. So you
were wrong. And, since there WAS no BCS system back in '96, that cougar team
did nothing for us either. Just because the cougars finished #5 in the country
that year, that does not mean they were responsible for paving the way for the
rest of us. If it did, then Utah would have paved the way too seeing as how
they finished #8 in the country just 2 yrs earlier. And that '94 team beat 4
ranked teams. The '96 team beat only 2; one of which, #22 Wyoming, was in O/T.
Ooooh....beating a #22-ranked WAC team. Way to go you "world-beater"
you.

No, the cougars did not pave a road along a path upon which
they've never trod.

Naval VetPhiladelphia, PA

Nov. 19, 2011 9:59 a.m.

giantfan:

"Oh but Duckhunter did cite evidence. If you google
'sltrib' and 'jay drew' and the first couple lines of his above quotation,
you'll find it. Clear as day. Care to refute now?"

If YOU
googled that Jay Drew article, you'd see it was written earlier this month. My
dispute with Duckhunter was initiated well before that article was written...in
other words, well before there was ever evidence the Big East met with cougar
officials. Cougar fans have made NUMEROUS bogus claims about AQ invitations,
and have perpetuated it ad nauseum on these threads. Therefore, I must ask for
evidence to ensure which details are accurate, and which are frantically and
emotionally made up. After TCU was invited to the Big XII, Holmoe admitted they
had not been approached by the Big East. So who should one believe? Holmoe
admitting the Big East never approached them? Or a cougar-homer Jay Drew
article that hadn't even been written yet?

And as for refuting
now....that that question had already been asked and answered. See AGAIN my
last paragraph from my previous post on this page at 3:27.

poymanLincoln City, OR

Nov. 18, 2011 10:28 p.m.

What is taking so stinking long to accept this invitation??? Geeze, Get on with
it aready.

cougar76Raleigh, NC

Nov. 18, 2011 4:08 p.m.

Okay everyone. Lets lay off Naval lint. In his last post he resorts to
referencing three of his previous posts to validate himself. He has obviously
been reduced to clutching at straws.

DuckhunterHighland, UT

Nov. 18, 2011 3:42 p.m.

@naval lint

I knew you wouldn't directly respond. LOL!

giantfanFarmington, UT

Nov. 18, 2011 3:41 p.m.

Naval,

Oh but Duckhunter did cite evidence. If you google
"sltrib" and "jay drew" and the first couple lines of his
above quotation, you'll find it. Clear as day. Care to refute now?

As
far as your earlier post to me, I didn't dispute your "facts" because
you were missing the point I was trying to make. Utah owes thanks to other
schools that went before them that allowed the BCS rules to be laxed so they
could "bust the BCS" in 2004, and one of the schools they owe a thanks
to is BYU for 1996 and 2001. But we all know that the BYU-hating Ute faithful
out there would sooner kick their dog than do such a thing.

Naval VetPhiladelphia, PA

Nov. 18, 2011 3:27 p.m.

giantfan:

My issue with the Y has already been asked and answered ad
nauseum over the past several years. So again, in short, I was a student at the
Y my freshman year. I objected to the Y's disdain for the 1st amendment, their
lack of academic freedom, and their overall arrogance and sanctimoniousness. I
just didn't want to be a part of that community, so I completed my education at
the U.

"Interesting that you're so concerned with 'facts' (or
your definition of facts) but whenever someone presents a fact to you, you're
mysteriously silent about it."

Ah...typical hypocritical coug.
Go to pg. 11 of this comment thread, and read the final sentence of my 2:31 p.m.
post [3rd post from the top]. Mysteriously silent? I think not.
"Mysteriously silent" would have been YOU when I busted up your
"revisionist history" wherein the cougars were eliminated from a BCS
bowl back in '01 prior to the conclusion of their season [pg 14 at 11:08 a.m.
and 11:17 a.m.]. Why are now so silent about that?

DuckhunterHighland, UT

Nov. 18, 2011 3:21 p.m.

Two things.

naval lint will never respond to what I posted giantfan
because it proves him wrong, not that any of us needed any more proff of that.
The second thing is that based on naval lints moniker I wonder if his problem
with BYU was more a a moral issue, and not the one most of us would have.
LOL!

If I remeber correctly he posted a few months ago about being a
former BYU fan and attending games there, so it sounds like he wasn't able to
live up to the standards, no surprise there, and is now bitter about it. The
only thing he can really do is show his bitterness on these boards. It is truly
pathetic but it is also highly entertaining to read his half truths,
distortions, fabrications, frantic postulations, and out right lies. He actually
represents the university of utah and its "fan"base accurately.

I actually really enjoy it.

giantfanFarmington, UT

Nov. 18, 2011 2:52 p.m.

Naval,

Interesting that you're so concerned with "facts"
(or your definition of facts) but whenever someone presents a fact to you,
you're mysteriously silent about it. So what about Duckhunter's citation from
above at 9:38 a.m. this morning about Big East officials visiting Provo for
months? Since it so obviously shows Big East interest, something you claim never
existed prior to Boise State being invited, how do you explain away that one?
Should be interesting...

giantfanFarmington, UT

Nov. 18, 2011 2:48 p.m.

There's no doubt that Naval has an unhealthy obsession with the team he loves to
hate. He's like a jaded lover, something deep and very personal has offended him
in the past and he obviously doesn't like to talk about it because he won't ever
answer a post that asks him about it, even though he never misses an opportunity
to respond to other things with "facts".

My guess is he got
a great idea to create a calendar of return missionaries with their shirts off.
It didn't sit too well with the church and the university he was attending. It
turns out said university would not honor his degree even though he had finished
the course work, because he was not in good standing with the church at the time
of graduation. It seems he stopped going to church and since that is a
stipulation for someone receiving their degree--and he knew that because it's
all part of participating at the University, the whole eclesiastical endorsement
thing--he was denied. That didn't sit too well with him so he's been bitter ever
since.

Now maybe that's not his exact case, but it's probably
something along those lines.

cougar76Raleigh, NC

Nov. 18, 2011 2:24 p.m.

Navel lint. Sorry I touched a nerve. But let me point out that I made no
references or claims about anything that you are castigating in your rant at me.
All I said was that your innumerable posts say you have an obcession with BYU
and spend too much time on something that shouldn't be important to you. So,
get a life.

Naval VetPhiladelphia, PA

Nov. 18, 2011 12:11 p.m.

I have to laugh at all the cougar fans on these threads that would presume Utah
fans are jealous, or would be agonizing over, a decision by the Y as to whether
or not they'll join the Big East. The TRUE agony was when Y fans were fretting
whether or not the Utes would get an invitation to the Pac-10, which was then
followed up by the soul-crushing torment of Utah's invitation and acceptance.

Because the Pac-12 is substantially > than the conference which had
been referred to by every MWC team member over the past 7-yrs as the "Big
Least", and due to the Pac-12's TV package is significantly > than every
other conferences' at this point in time....we have nothing to envy the Y over.
No fret. No fear. Not by Ute fans anyway.

If the Y joins the Big
East, they'll still lag substantially behind their big brothers on the Hill.
The only thing that will change will be the Y will then have TWO big brothers
north of Provo.

Special thanks to Boise State.

Naval VetPhiladelphia, PA

Nov. 18, 2011 10:39 a.m.

cougar76:

"Naval lint needs to get a life. You spend way too
much time researching ways to put down BYU and its fans."

It's
really no trouble at all. It's not like I have to search far and wide in order
to do so. All I have to do is read the unending string of frantic and emotional
cougar fantasies, and retort with facts.

Cougar fans like you hate
facts. You all seem to be okay with the myth that the Y was somehow injusticed
for not going BCS bowling back in 2001, but become all of a sudden inflamed when
you're brought back down to reality that it had nothing to do with persecution.
It's as if you cougar fans RELISH being picked on.

And as much as you
all hate me, if you guys wouldn't make up such ridiculous figments to justify
your overall irrelevancy - or mediocrity AT BEST - I wouldn't have anything to
laugh at you about. You suggest I need to get a life, but I'm not the one
spending the majority of my time going around fabricating these steady streams
of insane alternatives to reality.

NightOwlAmericaSALEM, OR

Nov. 18, 2011 10:33 a.m.

They would probably be in the BIG12 by now don't you think based on your
ramblings?

DuckhunterHighland, UT

Nov. 18, 2011 9:59 a.m.

@nightowl

According to Webster's an invite is:

1.a. to
offer an incentive or inducement: Entice b. to increase the likelihood
of2.a. to request the presence or participation of b. to request
formally c. to urge politely

Nowhere in any of those
defintions does it say "to accept what is offered with no questions and no
negotiations".

So far the BIG EAST has "offer(ed) BYU
incentives and inducements" in an effort to "increase the likelihood
of", "the presence or participation of" BYU, while "urging
politely" that BYU do so. In otherwords they visted BYU for months (LOL at
naval lint over that one) to find out what BYU would require to accept an
invitation, they have now extended that invitation based on the definitions I
posted above, and are now waiting, and willing to wait several months according
to reports, for BYU to decide whether or not to accept the
"invitation".

Apparently you, and of course the other utah
"fans" trolling this article and agonizing over this development, are
the only ones that have any issue with this at all. Everyone else is perfectly
fine with the "example" BYU has set here.

LOL!

Naval VetPhiladelphia, PA

Nov. 18, 2011 9:53 a.m.

Counter Intelligence:

"You didnt mention that the Y reportedly
did not accept Big East overtures 6 months ago - which predates everything you
just said....mind closed"

That's because the Big East did NOT
approach the Y 6-months ago. That DeepShadesofBlue story that suggested
otherwise was a myth that was debunked by Tom Holmoe HIMSELF!

So
again...case closed!

DuckhunterHighland, UT

Nov. 18, 2011 9:38 a.m.

@naval lint

Well as usual you ignore reported facts in order to push
a false premise.

In Jay Drew's article, which broke this story and
which I know you read, it stated that Big East officials, as well as officials
from existing Big East schools have been visiting BYU FOR MONTHS. Well let's
quote it shall we.

" Several Big East leaders and some
presidents of current/remaining football-playing Big East schools Louisville,
Cincinnati, Rutgers, Connecticut and South Florida have visited BYU within the
past few months and were reportedly impressed not only with BYUs football
facilities, but its new television broadcasting building, which houses BYUtv, a
national network available in more than 60 million homes."

In
otherwords you keep quoting an article from November 11th, and we all know Boise
only even got permission from its regents about a month ago, to negotiate with
the Big East. BYU on the otherhand has been hosting Big East representatives,
and representatives from exisitng Big East schools FOR MONTHS.

You
really are desperate over this and it is hilarious. It is funny that you will
make up obvious and easily discredited falsehoods to try make a false point.

LOL!

NightOwlAmericaSALEM, OR

Nov. 17, 2011 8:01 p.m.

What are DuckHunter and the impostor Christy B thinking?Just what is an
invite? It like going out of your way to invite someone over for dinner. Only
the person you invite gives you a list of demands and requests before attending.
BYU is no different. If you are invited don't lay out a list of demands. No
wonder power conferences have ignored them while building their WAC legacy.

WON84PLANO, TX

Nov. 17, 2011 4:24 p.m.

"The article also stated: "Big East commissioner John Marinatto was
given the go-ahead last week to invite teams into the conference. Boise State,
Air Force, SMU, Houston, UCF and Navy all have been mentioned as
candidates."

No mention of the Y.

At least not until
after Boise State pulled a few strings.

Case closed."

LOL, there was probably no mention of BYU because the league probably thought
there wasn't a chance they'd join when most of the conversation to this point
centered around BYU as a lead candidate to join a league currently taking
members from the Big East. That's a lot to put together. I know.

Jake2010bountiful, ut

Nov. 17, 2011 3:12 p.m.

How with no teams of any merit would the MWCCUSA garnish the AQ bid from the Big
East? I mean seriously folks! With the proposed realignment all of both current
conference cream of the crop would be boarding ship in the Big East... Leaving
the MWC and CUSA a much larger WAC of the future. 20 teams without a pinch of
fight in any of them. Seriously, it is funny to watch all ya'll talk such
insolence. Accept the invite while the invite is on the table. Don't make them
wait forever... There is nothing better on the horizon unless something like the
SEC is knocking, but, we all know with all the anti-LDS nonsense in the bible
belt that would never in a million years happen.

cougar76Raleigh, NC

Nov. 17, 2011 2:02 p.m.

Naval lint needs to get a life. You spend way too much time researching ways to
put down BYU and its fans.

WON84PLANO, TX

Nov. 17, 2011 1:52 p.m.

I hope Naval Vet / mgr wasn't in possession of any sharp objects when she read
the following - "BYU has been invited to join the Big East as a
football-only member, but, for now, BYU has not accepted the invitation,
according to a Washington, D.C. columnist."

Naval VetPhiladelphia, PA

Nov. 17, 2011 11:17 a.m.

@giantfan [3:02 p.m.]:

cont....

On Dec. 3, 2001, when the
cougars were eliminated from BCS contention...

(1) They had 1 game
remaining on their schedule. Unranked Hawai'i (8-3).(2) They were ranked
#12 in the BCS standings.(3) The following teams' seasons were already
over: #1 Miami, #3 Nebraska, #4 Colorado, #5 Oregon, #6 Florida, #7 Texas, #8
Illinois, #9 Stanford, #10 Maryland, and #11 Oklahoma.(4) Including the
Nat'l Championship [which was the Rose Bowl that year], there were only 4 BCS
bowls.(5) Automatic bids were given to the BCS conference champions:
Miami (NC), Colorado {Fiesta), Oregon (Fiesta), Illinois (Sugar), Maryland
(Orange), and LSU (Sugar). This left room for only 2 at-large schools.(6)
With 2 at-large bids, and 6 BCS schools ranked ahead of them whose seasons had
already ended, there would have been no way the cougars could have moved up by
beating an unranked 8-3 Hawai'i team.(7) The cougars lost their final
game, plus their bowl game. Proving they were not BCS worthy in the first
place.

And THAT's a FACT!

truthserumLEHI, UT

Nov. 17, 2011 11:09 a.m.

@Giant Fan:Yeah, they were definitely lucky to not have to play Oregon and
Stanford. But across the board there is no comparison. I think even Kirk
Herbstreit and Lee Corso would agree with that. Either way, I would rather have
BYU's future schedule with access to the BCS than Utah's, but it is fun watching
them play the Pac 12 teams. I mean, Louisville, AFA, SMU, Houston? This is
great news for BYU. Good for them. Hopefully they find a way to beat Boise and
get to a BCS game.

Naval VetPhiladelphia, PA

Nov. 17, 2011 11:08 a.m.

@giantfan [3:02 p.m.]:

"How's that for revisionist history? Utah
was able to 'bust open' the BCS in 2004 because of what other programs did
between 1996 and 2003. I'm talking about what BYU did in 1996 and 2001, and also
what TCU, Tulane and Marshall did during that same timeframe. If the same rules
existed in the BCS in 2001 that existed in 2004 that enabled Utah to go to the
Fiesta Bowl, then BYU would not have been told it would not be invited to a BCS
game while it was still undefeated and before their season was even
over."

Haha! You're quite the "revisionist historian"
yourself. In 2001, the rules to BCS access for non-AQs were quite clear: One
MUST be ranked in the Top-12 to be CONSIDERED; ranked in the Top-6 to be
GUARANTEED!

The reason why the Y was eliminated from BCS bowl
contention prior to the end of the season was quite simple: There would have
been no way for them to finish in the Top-6 for that "guaranteed"
slot, and there were BCS teams who were ranked higher who get the at-large.

Naval VetPhiladelphia, PA

Nov. 17, 2011 11:01 a.m.

@giantfan [3:39 p.m]:

"'Actually, the cougars would not have
considered this move with Boise State. Period. Because without BSU, the cougars
don't get an invite.'...You're always harping about proof. Do you mind citing
some proof for the above statement?"

Funny you should ask.
Because I already HAD done so on previous articles. So pay attention this
time:

If you Google "ESPN Big East courting BYU, coach
says", you will find an article by Andrea Adelson [c. 11-07-2011] that
states [emphasis mine]:

"Boise State has expressed an interest
in joining as a football-only member, BUT ONLY IF there is a West Division in
order to help ease travel."

So there you have it. BSU will join
ONLY IF there's a West Division.

The article also stated:

"Big East commissioner John Marinatto was given the go-ahead last week to
invite teams into the conference. Boise State, Air Force, SMU, Houston, UCF and
Navy all have been mentioned as candidates."

No mention of the
Y.

At least not until after Boise State pulled a few strings.

Case closed.

UteologyFort Worth, Texas

Nov. 17, 2011 10:59 a.m.

giantfan | 10:03 a.m. Nov. 17, 2011

Um, simple. PAC-12 South and ACC
Atlantic teams have played division members so the rankings are accurate. Big
East West is a hypothetical division whose win/loss records are skewed since
they haven't played each other.

giantfanFarmington, UT

Nov. 17, 2011 10:18 a.m.

Re: truthserum said,

"Does anyone actually think a season in the
Big East is tougher than a season in the Pac 12?"

Do you mean
Utah's season in the Pac 12? Or say USC's or Washington's season in the Pac-12?
Utah was fortunate to not have to play the top-2 teams in the Pac-12 this year.
In fact, if we look at the Sagarin rankings of every Pac-12 team Utah has or
will have faced this year we see this:

Looks like Utah won the lottery this year but
unfortunately could not take advantage of it. Yeah, they might still have an
OUTSIDE shot of making it to the Championship Game but that's more a testament
of USC being on probation and the rest of the division being soooo bad then
anything Utah has done.

Ultimate Ute FanLEHI, UT

Nov. 17, 2011 10:13 a.m.

This is the most juvenile thread I've ever read. Neighbors bashing neighbors,
people taking the insults and jabs personally. So ridiculous.

giantfanFarmington, UT

Nov. 17, 2011 10:03 a.m.

Re: Uteology

Pointless analysis? It's actually a very fair analysis.
Sagarin rankings are independent of what conference a team plays in and do not
just consider win/loss record. That's why if you browse the rankings, you'll see
that some teams with a pretty decent win/loss record will be a lot further down
the list than other teams with the exact same record because it takes into
account strength of schedule played.

And how can you downplay
Sagarin rankings as a fair way to compare a possible Big East Western Divsion to
the Pac-12 South but then go ahead and compare the ACC Atlantic Division to the
Pac-12 South?

truthserumLEHI, UT

Nov. 17, 2011 9:59 a.m.

Does anyone actually think a season in the Big East is tougher than a season in
the Pac 12?

UteologyFort Worth, Texas

Nov. 17, 2011 9:49 a.m.

Congrats to BYU. But Big Least 1.11 is worse than the Big East today.

@TheSportsAuthority

Pointless analysis since the proposed Big East
West teams did not play each other this year but the PAC-12 South teams did. So
the win/loss records would be different if they did play each other. Hence the
rankings would be different.

PAC-12 south is weak, brought down by
Colorado. ACC Atlantic average Sagarin ranking is worse at 56.7.

giantfanFarmington, UT

Nov. 17, 2011 9:13 a.m.

Thanks, TheSportsAuthority. Beat me to it!

giantfanFarmington, UT

Nov. 17, 2011 8:57 a.m.

afro14,

You should scroll back a few pages here on the comments and
you'll find a comparsion list of what would be the suggested Big East Western
Divsion and the current Pac-12 South Division, and how they stack up against
each other according to Sagarin. It takes into account wins/losses, strength of
schedule (SOS) and margin of victory (MOV) so no matter how bad a respective
school's schedule or conference might be, it's all factored in.

Well, I'll do you a favor and copy/paste it here for you. You're welcome.

The Utes did back into the only conference desperate enough
to take U, but it was a two-way street, because the Utes were so desperate to be
accepted, that they agreed to take whatever scraps were offered, even if that
meant not being a full-fledged conference member for several years.

TheSportsAuthorityArlington, VA

Nov. 17, 2011 8:44 a.m.

afro14

Sorry to burst your biased bubble, but as proposed, the new
Big East - West would be stronger than the current PAC 12 South, according to
the unbiased Sagarin Rankings, which do take into account SOS.

Better the Western Division of the Big Eastthen the Eastern Division of
the Big West!!!!

Dand_UteWEST JORDAN, UT

Nov. 17, 2011 7:31 a.m.

Hey BYU Congratulations on backing into the only conference desperate enough to
invite you. You criticize the U for being a "backup" plan for the
PAC-12, but man this wreaks of scraping the bottom of the barrel.

jimmypageMeridian, ID

Nov. 17, 2011 7:15 a.m.

@ just-a-fan

That was insightful. Thanks for your input.

I
find it so funny to see Utah fans getting on here and calling it "The Big
Least" and other clever names. Lets take a look at the wonderful PAC 12.
Stanford is good. Oregon St. is good. Arizona St. is decent. USC is ok. Everyone
else? Bad. Colorado? Really bad.

I'm not saying the Big East is the
best conference in America, but come on Utes, your cute little PAC 12 is no SEC.

sammygSpringville, UT

Nov. 17, 2011 6:37 a.m.

Geewiz Dnews, can't I join the party and get a comment in? (sniff, sniff)

All I want to say is "We told you so" to some of the special
'little troll types' that have said BYU would never get an invite.

Before you embarrass yourself with more silly
comparisons, keep in mind that Boise has only played two good teams all year
(TCU and Georgia), Houston is in a terrible conference, SMU is in a terrible
conference and is only 6-4, Air Force is in a mediocre conference and is only
5-5, and don't even get me started on BYU's record this year, seeing how they
have lost to the only three winning teams that they've played, and the rest of
the teams are complete cupcakes.

afro14Sandy, UT

Nov. 17, 2011 2:40 a.m.

I have to say, the Big East is really desperate to retain AQ status. The
conference shouldn't even be called the Big East if all of these teams join.
Furthermore, the quality of the teams joining doesn't necessarily ensure that
the Big East will be able to retain AQ status much longer. The Big East will be
only slightly better than the current MWC or C-USA if they remodel the
conference this way. Hopefully the Big East will lose it's AQ status soon
anyways and a better conference will be formed, consisting perhaps of
Cincinnati, Louisville, Notre Dame, USF, West Virginia, Navy, Boise State,
Nevada, BYU, and perhaps Houston. The Big East needs to find a way to get rid of
the bottom feeders. Teams like Rutgers and Connecticut meed to go, and I'm not
sure that UCF, Air Force, and SMU could contribute much either. The
elimination of one of the AQ conferences would open the way for more at large
selections for the BCS bowls.

SportsFanOrem, UT

Nov. 17, 2011 12:53 a.m.

Luv 2 Troll U

You don't understand what?

How BYU could
join a BCS conference and still keep its own television network and exclusive
contract with ESPN?

It's not rocket science when you're not so
desperate that you'll accept whatever terms are offered, is it?

just-a-fanBountiful, UT

Nov. 16, 2011 11:17 p.m.

I'm a big BYU fan and I find this whole thing stupid.

Luv 2 Troll USandy, UT

Nov. 16, 2011 10:48 p.m.

killarney,

I don't get what's so hard to understand why BYU can't
join the PAC, Big 12, get invited to a BCS game, go undefeated, or not talk so
much in their interviews.

It's like rocket science isn't it?

Howard S.Taylorsville, UT

Nov. 16, 2011 10:47 p.m.

@Duckhunter

"That isn't how things are done at BYU."*********

And perhaps the "BYU way" is why BYU is on the
verge of joining the desperate leftover orphans of the MWC, CUSA, and the Big
LEast.

You know... those orphans that were past-over and rejected by
the nation's most powerful power athletic conferences.

BYUfaninWashStEverett, WA

Nov. 16, 2011 10:46 p.m.

Another vote to join Big East. Go for it!

Christy BSalt Lake City, Utah

Nov. 16, 2011 10:21 p.m.

NOA

We know it's difficult for U to understand, but BYU expects to be
treated as a full partner from day one, rather than as an indentured servant
that has to spend that next several years proving that he's worthy to sit at the
master's table.

DuckhunterHighland, UT

Nov. 16, 2011 10:20 p.m.

@nightowl

Perhaps? Uh, they already have. They aquiesced to
everything BYU wanted and gave them an invite. They have been basicly begging
them to join. Not really sure how you can read the article and still not realize
what you read.

killarneyLincoln Park, IL

Nov. 16, 2011 10:12 p.m.

PAC 12 loves U and monkeyzoo

Are Utah fans incapable of following a
train of thought?

The BCS decided BEFORE BYU lost to Hawaii, when BYU
was still UNDEFEATED, that BYU was out of the running for a BCS bowl, regardless
of whether BYU beat Hawaii or not. It wouldn't have mattered if BYU had beaten
Hawaii 100-0 to finish the regular season 12-0, the BCS had already decided
before BYU even boarded the plane to Hawaii that they weren't going to invite
BYU.

Is that so hard to understand?

--------------

As far as the Big East is concerend, what difference does it make where
the Big East currently stands? The Big East is growing stronger while the MWC
and C-USA are growing weaker. Without TCU, Boise State and Air Force, the MWC
doesn't have a prayer of replacing the Big East as an AQ conference.

NightOwlAmericaSALEM, OR

Nov. 16, 2011 9:49 p.m.

Duckhunter said:

"@nightowl

"What kind of
example is BYU setting by making demands?"

Uh, a good one. This
really isn't something a utah "fan" would understand. To a utah
"fan" setting a good example means keeping your mouth shut and taking
whatever scraps your betters give you. That isn't how things are done at
BYU."

Apparently that is how things are done at BYU. They will
only join a conference that will take their list of special preferences. That
does not sound like an invite at all. Oh well, the Big Least is desperate to
keep their AQ status. Perhaps they might give in.

crowntown1Corona, CA

Nov. 16, 2011 9:41 p.m.

you guys are excited about Big East? TCU Air force Boise SMU??? UMMMMM

Randy01Lees Summit, MO

Nov. 16, 2011 9:38 p.m.

Apologies, my comment should have read "independent FBS programs"

Randy01Lees Summit, MO

Nov. 16, 2011 9:37 p.m.

If the pieces fell into place on this one it would leave only two FBS programs
in place: Notre Dame and Army. Looks like independence is not the answer -
does it really even work for Notre Dame anymore? BYU should join - actually the
Big East may be the best choice for national exposure anyway.

DuckhunterHighland, UT

Nov. 16, 2011 9:22 p.m.

@nightowl

"What kind of example is BYU setting by making
demands?"

Uh, a good one. This really isn't something a utah
"fan" would understand. To a utah "fan" setting a good
example means keeping your mouth shut and taking whatever scraps your betters
give you. That isn't how things are done at BYU.

NightOwlAmericaSALEM, OR

Nov. 16, 2011 8:52 p.m.

CougarKeith said:

"Well, AQ status, no SUNDAY PLAY, keep the
BYUtv Network, and the ESPN Contract, be in a 14 team "Super
Conference", and ssy "NO"? I can't say that I see that one coming
around the corner. Do I think the Big East as it's new make-up will be equal to
the PAC-12? Some years yes, some years no, once in a while SUPERIOR. I do see a
NATION WIDE CONFERENCE building itself up RECRUIT wise, facility wise, strength
wise, and power wise..... As they grew they out grew the Conference! We
could KILL Conecticut, even last years Automatic Bowl Team! Face it, THEY
SUCKED!!! Houston deserves it, Boise State Deserves it, and BYU all Deserve it!
Air Force has an oportunity to get in too! As far as joining with the other
sports in the future, I think that is GREAT!!!"

Deserve it?What kind of example is BYU setting by making demands?

Howard S.Taylorsville, UT

Nov. 16, 2011 8:41 p.m.

@Bluto

Mr. Bluto seems very pleased that "schools from all over
this Nation want BYU".

Imagine how proud he would be if any of
those schools had good football programs.

Now that would be something
to be proud of.

monkeyzooLehi, UT

Nov. 16, 2011 8:17 p.m.

you byu fans are really grasping at straws with your 2001 could've should've
would've. ha ha ha enjoy your new Mountain Least conferencefyi the
Big least is ranked behind the MWC and conference usa this year, with NO teams
in the top 25

monkeyzooLehi, UT

Nov. 16, 2011 7:58 p.m.

@marked it downUtah went UNDEFEATED! say it again, undefeated. byu was
smoked by Hawaii. and did you seriously just blame 9-11 for byu not being the
first BCS buster? you're a tool. you have to be undefeated and respected
as a mid-major to bust the BCS. something byu will never be

UT-TXmomARGYLE, TX

Nov. 16, 2011 7:14 p.m.

Christmas has come early for the Cougars! Enjoy your new conference, if you get
to go, that is.Disappointed not to see a Chris B post yet - I look forward
to those!

Now we may get to see if the Cougs can walk their NC talk!

Duhwest jordan, ut

Nov. 16, 2011 6:52 p.m.

What makes me laugh is how people say that the Big East is about to lose AQ
status to the MWC. So, the two best schools in the MWC is Boise State and TCU
and then the next best is Airforce. So, when those three teams leave, tell me
again how the MWC becomes better than the Big East. Please all you spinsters,
tell me because inquiring minds want to know. May not be the best but if no one
else is going to accept your no sunday terms and TV rights, what do you do? Lot
of Ute fans here who now have something new to whine about because they are
being proven wrong and oops, BYU gets a chance to be in a BCS game without going
undefeated. Anyone want to bet that Utah doesn't see an undefeated season
again....maybe never? It doesn't happen too often in the PAC.

TrollPoliceSalt Lake City, UT

Nov. 16, 2011 6:39 p.m.

Honor Code

Aren't you a fan of WAC style teams!!! like CSU and
Wyoming?

do you remember ???

Utah State 63 Wyoming 19 San Jose St 38 CSU 31

Walter BellhavenLas Vegas, Nevada

Nov. 16, 2011 6:29 p.m.

You'd have to be completely mental to think that the Big East would only want
BYU because of Boise State demands. Really? Take stock of your life, and
re-think your future.

scenic viewBaltimore, MD

Nov. 16, 2011 6:27 p.m.

In 2001, BYU beat Utah on November 17th and the Cougars were scheduled to play
Hawaii on December 1st. The Hawaii game was moved to December 8th so BYU could
play at Mississippi State on December 1st. If not for 9-11, the Cougars would
have had two weeks to prepare for Hawaii, with a likely higher ranking because
of an early season win at a then Top 25 ranked Mississippi State.

PAC 12 loves USandy, Utah

Nov. 16, 2011 6:26 p.m.

@ Snack PAC

"BYU also beat a pretty good Utah(8-4) team in 2001,
the same Utah team that beat USC in the Las Vegas Bowl.

How does that
PROVE that BYU was undeserving of consideration for a BCS bowl?"

Because BYU lost to Hawaii 72-45 in the regular season finale, that is why the
Cougars are undeserving of a BCS bid. The problem for all non-aq teams is if you
lose a regular season game your out of BCS consideration, period! Every BCS
buster since Utah in 2004 were all undefeated going into their bowl games. 2004
Utah 11-0, 2006 Boise State 12-0, 2007 Hawaii 12-0, 2008 Utah 12-0, 2009 Boise
State 13-0 and TCU 12-0, and 2010 TCU 12-0. See the pattern? All were undefeated
going into their BCS Bowl games. 2001 BYU 12-1 (Disqualified from BCS game). BYU
couldn't even win their bowl game in 2001. That is another reason why the
Cougars are undeserving in 2001. BYU didn't break down any doors for Utah in
2004. Utah did it themselves by going undefeated and ranked in the top 6!

B CPark City, UT

Nov. 16, 2011 6:19 p.m.

Honor Code

For image of red-headed step child, see mirror.

Marked it DownPark City, UT

Nov. 16, 2011 6:16 p.m.

BYU 2001 was 11-0, with winsat New Mexico(6-5)vs Air Force(6-6)vs Colorado St(7-5)vs Utah(8-4)

when the Cougars were told
that they wouldn't even be considered for a BCS bowl

Utah 2004 was
11-0, with winsvs Texas A&M(7-5)at New Mexico(7-5)vs No
Caro(6-6)at Wyoming(7-5)

when the Utes were selected to play in
the Fiesta Bowl

It's easy to see why the Utes were soooo much more
deserving to play in a BCS game...

NOT!

---------------------------

If not for 9-11, BYU might still have
been the first "BCS buster"

After starting the season
beating Tulane(70-35), Nevada(52-7), and California(44-16), BYU was scheduled to
play at Top 25 ranked Mississippi State the next week, until 9-11 forced the
game to be postponed until late November.

A more rested Staley may
not have suffered a season-ending injury at Mississippi State. And a more rested
BYU team with a healthy Staley would have had a better chance of beating Hawaii
and winning a BCS bowl.

Honor CodeDenver, Colorado

Nov. 16, 2011 6:00 p.m.

I must admit I think BYU would be a great addition to the Big East. It will
allow me to laugh on a weekly basis at their crazy travel schedule and still
watching them play WAC style teams!!!

BYU is looking more and more
like a Red-headed step child!!

Really???Kearns, UT

Nov. 16, 2011 5:49 p.m.

Let me see--travel to Boise, Colorado Springs, Houston, and Dallas. I would be
willing to do that and add a few east coast teams to the schedule each year. It
doesn't sound like an outrageous schedule to me.

Snack PACOlympus Cove, Utah

Nov. 16, 2011 5:33 p.m.

JohnInSLC

"BYU lost to Mississippi State to take themselves out
of the BCS picture in '01, then underscored their undeserving status by losing
to Louisville in the Liberty Bowl."

FAIL!!!

BYU lost
the best running back in the country at Mississippi State, but BYU won the game.

It was losing Staley, coupled with the disappointment of being
locked out of BCS consideration regardless of what they did in Hawaii, plus the
fatigue of having to travel from Provo to Mississippi back to Provo and then on
to Hawaii, that lead to the meltdown against a very good and energized
Hawaii(9-3) team that has always viewed the Cougars as one of their most bitter
rivals.

BYU, still without Staley, lost to #17/#16 Louisville(11-2)
in the Liberty Bowl, a much better opponent than the unranked/#25 Pittsburgh
team Utah faced in the Fiesta Bowl.

BYU also beat a pretty good
Utah(8-4) team in 2001, the same Utah team that beat USC in the Las Vegas
Bowl.

How does that PROVE that BYU was undeserving of consideration
for a BCS bowl?

Anonymous InfinityAmerican Fork, UT

Nov. 16, 2011 5:03 p.m.

Big East? Right. Why don't we just buy a fleet of corporate jets and burn up
the airways flying across the country to play sports? Are you kidding me? Who
is going to pay for all this travel and extra expenses? Forget about it and
stay independent on football and let it go at that. Who wants to go to most of
the current (what is left) Big East (Least, whatever) venues to play football
anyway? The TV money is not a bottomless pit. Let's get realistic. Minor
sports are going to have to stay in the west anyway. So why go crazy with
football and basketball. I thought universities and colleges were about getting
an education. Come on people.

PavalovaSurfers Paradise, AU

Nov. 16, 2011 4:50 p.m.

Naval Lint's comment about BYU riding BSU's coattails is as funny as Utah riding
Colorado's coattails. Oh wait, CU was picked ahead of U? How bout dem apples?
BSU is a great program and got an invite on their own merits. BYU can draw
stadium audiences all over the US, especially in the east.

I don't
think the U can even sell their allotment of tickets at opposing stadiums. For
anyone to suggest, or even claim to predict, the crazy conference realignment of
the past few months is comical. Are there better scenarios? Probably, but the
Big East does provide a way to keep their own network distribution rights. Much
more to come and the BYU leadership will weigh all the options before commiting.

Allen#2WEST VALLEY CITY, UT

Nov. 16, 2011 4:44 p.m.

Good luck BYU. The Big East will be an interesting conference.

Interesting that Utah and BYU are no longer in the same conference after they
both dumped the Skyline Conference to form the WAC and then both abandoned new
friends in the WAC to form the MWC.

Will the next step be the
implosion of all current conferences?

BlutoSandy, UT

Nov. 16, 2011 4:43 p.m.

Congratulations Mr. Thompson-MWC Commish...

Messing with your
Flagship Institutions, BYU and Utah, has brought You to this?

Beebe
of the Big 12 was fired for much less.

truthserumLEHI, UT

Nov. 16, 2011 4:42 p.m.

Utah and BYU fans are neighbors. The way we treat each other is embarrassing.
Would love to see more civil discourse and less back biting between the two fan
bases. It's quite frankly some of the most juvenile text I've ever read.

Utah is in the Pac 12 - a phenomenal conference, no doubt.BYU
is likely to enter the Big East - a tradition rich conference as well.

Here's to both institutions bringing more respect, exposure and recognition to
the state.

BlutoSandy, UT

Nov. 16, 2011 4:37 p.m.

Navalboy is sure sounding nervous.

He has been so misguided and wrong
on just about every point he's attempted to make for a year and a half now, that
at this point in time, it's just sad..Like the black-knight in Monty
Python, he will not quit with his silly arguments, even when relegated to a
stump.

What has him so distraught is that schools from all over this
Nation want BYU,and yes, they have indeed visited the BYU campus and have
indeed been very impressed.

They value BYU's Academics, ranked 71st
Nationally, putting them 2nd or 3rd in the new Big East (Utah is ranked 124th,
tenth in the Pac.) They also see value in BYU's National fan-base and Brand.

BYU is actually being courted, as they were with the Big12, it's a fact
the Big East can be more pragmatic than the other Conferences and BYU as
"Football Only" and the possibility of them keeping most of their TV
deals makes this very possible.

Navalint knows BYU could have more
time on the National Stage than Utah will.As a textbook Obsessive
Compulsive Personality, the one thing Naval fears the most, is BYU.

Riddles in the DarkOlympus Cove, Utah

Nov. 16, 2011 4:30 p.m.

DC

Couldn't agree more. Our young friends on the hill are totally
obsessed with all things BYU. Can't blame them, but it is a bit creepy having
them stalk BYU 24/7.

River MasterLehi, UT

Nov. 16, 2011 4:26 p.m.

The only sure thing is to get into the Big East because we don't really know if
the AQ status or BCS system will go away or not. I doubt it will because all or
most of the BCS conferences would have to agree and not all the conferences want
that. The pros far outway the cons so BYU should go or it may be too late.

In response to all these claims that the Big East will lose it's status,
the rankings which determine that will date back the last several years for each
team even when they were not in the conference. That means with Houston, BYU,
UCF, Boise in the mix the Big East will be just fine and not lose it's AQ
status.

If the AQ statuses go away than that's just fine - we can go
independent again.

Mormon UteKaysville, UT

Nov. 16, 2011 4:24 p.m.

Duckhunter,

You are right, the Big East wants BYU, but only because
they need them to form the West Division Boise State has demanded. They want
Boise State more than BYU as evidenced by the invite extended long before BYU's
invite came.

UteanymousSalt Lake City, Utah

Nov. 16, 2011 4:22 p.m.

BYU Obsessed at 4:08 p.m.

We could all use a tissue from laughing so
hard at the inane comments of the Utah trolls.

Mormon UteKaysville, UT

Nov. 16, 2011 4:21 p.m.

giantfan,

Boise St did more than suggest they'd like a western
partner. Their acceptance was contingent on the formation of a West Division.
That is documented on ESPN and several other national sports media outlets.
That condition meant the Big East had to find 4 or 5 more teams out west to
complete that division and BYU was selected as one of those.

JohnInSLCCottonwood Heights, UT

Nov. 16, 2011 4:21 p.m.

"There was NOTHING special about Utah that got the Utes into a BCS bowl
ahead of Marshall, Tulane, or BYU except for the fortunate timing of rules
changes . . ."

FAX:

Is it that cougies can't learn,
or won't learn?

Utah was undefeated AND ranked BCS 6th in '04,
blowing out the Y. Tulane didn't crash the BCS in '98 because, while undefeated,
they were ranked 7th--however they crushed BYU in the Liberty Bowl; undefeated
Marshall achieved a No. 10 rank in '99, thumping BYU in the Liberty Bowl. BYU
lost to Mississippi State to take themselves out of the BCS picture in '01, then
underscored their undeserving status by losing to Louisville in the Liberty
Bowl.

Wait, I DO see a common BYU thread!

The BCS rules
were changed after the '03 season because of the split NC decision between LSU
and USC. BYU's epic fails in '98, '99 and '01 had nothing to do with it. And
remember that there were still only 4 BCS bowls in the '04-'05 season. The BCS
championship game, creating 2 more slots, wasn't added until '06 when Boise
State became the second BCS-buster.

DCAlexandria, VA

Nov. 16, 2011 4:17 p.m.

229 comments and counting. I wonder what university people in Utah are more
interested in? Utah is Cougar country, no matter where they play or how they
play.

Kosta FesenkoChicken McNuggetville, UT

Nov. 16, 2011 4:11 p.m.

here is one ute fan who wishes BYU luck no matter where they go. I like the
potential for byu in this Big East conference. If they can keep their ESPN
deal, then go for it.

DuckhunterHighland, UT

Nov. 16, 2011 4:10 p.m.

@naval lint

I said I "personally know that Big East officials
were in Tom Holmoes office". In otherwords I PERSONALLY KNEW that Big East
officals were in Tom Holmoes office. There you go. I knew it, I told you I knew
it, and now you know it as well. No I didn't read it in a newspaper or a blog,
no I didn't hear it on the radio, no I didn't see it on tv. I knew it because I
know someone that matters and they told me.

Now of course that wasn't
going to satisfy you but I really didn't care if it did. I see that now it has
been printed in a paper and you can no longer deny it your tactic is to claim I
didn't really know and just got lucky. Kinda like I didn't really know about
quite a few other things that have happened and just got lucky then as well.

The truth is you are the one that doesn't actually "know"
anything. Frankly every single claim you have made on this subject has turned
out to be wrong. Mine have all been correct. So who is it that doesn't
"know"?

54-10Salt Lake City, UT

Nov. 16, 2011 4:08 p.m.

@ Just the FAX | 3:30 p.m. Nov. 16, 2011 Olympus Cove, Utah

Need a tissue?

UteanymousSalt Lake City, Utah

Nov. 16, 2011 4:06 p.m.

Naval Vet

The giant elephant in the corner that you continue to
ignore is the political landscape that will prevent the BCS from pulling a
restructured Big East's BCS AQ status.

Despite your unquenchable BYU
hatred, the Big East isn't going to lose its AQ status if BYU and BSU join the
conference.

truthserumLEHI, UT

Nov. 16, 2011 4:05 p.m.

This is great for BYU. Easiest access to the BCS for them yet, which was the
ultimate goal. Great news!

Freight TrainHouston, TX

Nov. 16, 2011 3:46 p.m.

As a BYU fan I'm not sure if the Big East is better than independence at this
point. I guess we'll have to see how things really shape up and if the BigE
keeps BCS status after the 2013 evaluation. I'm with Bronco, my guess would be
"yes". But you never know...BYU should only consider accepting
this invite IF it can keep it's ESPN deal and broadcast on BYUtv (in addition to
other minimums), and I think that's how they're approaching it.How bout
BigE for all sports???? Granted, the distance is too much, but I sure would
like to see BYU BASKETBALL in the BigE!

UteanymousSalt Lake City, Utah

Nov. 16, 2011 3:43 p.m.

Naval Vet

Spin away, but you failed miserably.

BYU is the
lynchpin to the whole Big East - West Division plan to save the Big East.

Without BYU to solidify the division, Boise State isn't going to join.
Without BYU and Boise State, the Big East is in dire straits trying to preserve
its BCS AQ status.

It's been Boise State and Big East officials who
have been mounting the full-court press to try to convince BYU to join the
conference, NOT the other way around.

Army and Navy were wante to
give Air Force incentive to join, but Boise State wanted more than just Air
Force to establish a western presence in the conference.

btw, we're
still waiting on those television revenue numbers you reneged on posting.

giantfanFarmington, UT

Nov. 16, 2011 3:42 p.m.

Naval Vet,

Maybe you're the guy that was not awarded his BYU degree
because of the Missionaries with their shirts of Calendar thing. What was his
name? Or maybe you're just an admirer of his and that's what soured you on BYU.
Who knows but your dislike for BYU is certainly deep and personal. Sad, really.

giantfanFarmington, UT

Nov. 16, 2011 3:39 p.m.

Naval Vet,

"Actually, the cougars would not have considered this
move with Boise State. Period. Because without BSU, the cougars don't get an
invite."

You're always harping about proof. Do you mind citing
some proof for the above statement? Boise State did go on record to say that
they'd like to have a western partner but that's all you've got. How is that
proof that BYU would not have been otherwise invited? We all know you are not
privy to all the discussion that has gone on with Provo but you act like you
are. Mind providing some proof then?

What I am able to deduce by your
litany of inane comments about the school you love to hate is you'll do anything
to show them in a lessor light, that you would sooner kick your dog then admit
to anything praiseworthy about BYU. Any psychologist could see that you harbor
some serious insecurities when it comes to BYU and you were probably hurt very
badly by them once upon a time. You hinted towards something when you said
"revoke earned degrees" or something like that. It's so much more
personal than "BYU just isn't up to snuff".

Just the FAXOlympus Cove, Utah

Nov. 16, 2011 3:30 p.m.

giantfan

Some fans are so blinded by their hatred that they refuse to
accept the truth:

There was NOTHING special about Utah that got the
Utes into a BCS bowl ahead of Marshall, Tulane, or BYU except for the fortunate
timing of rules changes forced upon the BCS by other programs.

giantfanFarmington, UT

Nov. 16, 2011 3:27 p.m.

"Because the Bowl Alliance failed to include the Pac-10, Big Ten (and the
Rose Bowl) and so-called "mid-major" conferences, the Bowl Alliance
was reformed just three years after it began. BYU's persistent performance
opened the door for mid-major conferences to participate in upper-tier bowls as
well. In 1996, despite 18 conference championships in 23 years, one of the
winningest records in college football and a #5 ranking in the AP poll, BYU was
excluded from a Bowl Alliance bowl and was relegated to the Cotton Bowl beating
Kansas State to finish the season 141. Now the Bowl Coalition was also at risk
of anti-trust because of the monopoly on the bowls. LaVell Edwards, BYU Coach,
testified in Congress at that time about the inherent unfairness in recruiting
for teams who were excluded from bowls simply because of conference affiliation.
With the pressure of potential Congressional action, the Bowl Alliance reformed
into the Bowl Championship Series that not only included the Big Ten and the
Pac-10 conference but also cracked open the door to allow the possibility of a
"mid-major" team's participation." -- Wikipedia

Naval VetPhiladelphia, PA

Nov. 16, 2011 3:22 p.m.

Riverton Cougar [11:00pm]:

"And now, we can add the Big East as
yet ANOTHER conference who wasn't interested in the cougars. They want Boise
State. BSU can get in all on their own. They just need to pick up the phone.
The cougars on the other hand cannot. At least not without hopping on the
Broncos' coattails...Make no mistake Ducky...the Big Least ALREADY voted on who
to add. And THOSE teams were BSU, AFA, SMU, Houston, UCF, and Navy. They
DIDN'T vote on the Y" - Naval Vet

It would appear as though you
are trying throw my words back in my face, but failed miserably. Those WERE my
words, but they were not refuted in light of the Y's recent invitation. You
WERE invited because of Boise State's coattails. Had you gotten in on your own,
you wouldn't have needed them to bully Big CUSA - who had already approved
invitations for those aforementioned 6 schools not named BYU - into going back
for a 2nd look. Plus, the Big East REALLY wanted Army. You were the booby
prize when they balked.

Just the FAXOlympus Cove, Utah

Nov. 16, 2011 3:17 p.m.

JohnInSLC, Bleed Crimson, GoGetter

Now that you've thrown your
jealous little tantrums, have a nice nap on the couch. You're obviously just
spouting old anti-BYU propaganda and don't have a clue about the real history of
the Bowl Alliance or the BCS.

If the BCS hadn't changed their rules
after BYU 2001, Utah wouldn't have qualified to play in a BCS game. It's as
simple as that.

giantfanFarmington, UT

Nov. 16, 2011 3:16 p.m.

Re: Bleed Crimson,

I haven't double checked your fact on the top-6 in
2001 but you've proven the point I've been trying to make: BYU in 2001 would've
been at least still in the running for an auto-BCS invite while still undefeated
(12-0) if the criteria existed in 2001 that existed in 2004. Or, on the
flip-side, Utah never would've had the coveted BCS-busting year in 2004 if the
criteria for 2001 still existed. Once again, my question is, what did Utah do in
the world of college football prior to 2004 to enable the criteria to be
loosened for which they became a huge beneficiary?

giantfanFarmington, UT

Nov. 16, 2011 3:13 p.m.

Ute fans constantly beat the drum that BYU is to blame for the BCS ever having
been created. What a farse!! If so, then why did it take over 10 years to create
it? Go do some research and you'll see that the BCS was created for two reasons:
1) to avoid situations where there is not a consensus national champion a la
1990, '91 and '97 (notice how 1984 is not included since there was a unanimous
champion that year); 2) to keep the large amounts of post-season/bowl money in
the hands of the big conferences.

That's it. The myth that it was
created because of BYU is something you only every hear about being perpetuated
by jealous Ute fans.

Naval VetPhiladelphia, PA

Nov. 16, 2011 3:12 p.m.

CougFaninTX [10:36pm]:

"BYU would not consider this move without
Boise State, and probably the other rumored schools - AFA, SMU and
Houston."

Actually, the cougars would not have considered this
move with Boise State. Period. Because without BSU, the cougars don't get an
invite.

And to your point about the Big CUSA retaining their AQ
status, you need to understand that the current AQ cycle is 2008 - 2011. Since
BSU and Houston are currently playing in the MWC and the Little CUSA, their
'08-'11 records won't follow them to their new conference. And that gives the
Big CUSA 2-yrs to justify themselves. BSU loses Moore; Houston loses Keenum;
and the Y is still stuck with Heaps.

It wouldn't surprise me if the
Big CUSA loses their AQ.

Interesting fact: The Big CUSA voted to
raise their exit fee to $10 million. So if they lose their AQ status, the
cougars will have to remain in the Big Least for 27 months, then pay a
staggering $10M penalty just to return to Indy-WACness. Haha!

Naval VetPhiladelphia, PA

Nov. 16, 2011 3:03 p.m.

@ClarkHippo [10:32pm]:

"Now that Utah finally got their wish,
what is their reaction to schools like...Boise State and TCU joining a BCS
Conference. 'Keep them out! Keep them out!"

Ah. Classic
cougar strawman attack. Can you link us to a post where Utah fans are promoting
suppressing TCU and BSU from membership in a BCS conference?

No?

I thought not.

Fail.

giantfanFarmington, UT

Nov. 16, 2011 3:02 p.m.

Re: GoGetter

How's that for revisionist history? Utah was able to
"bust open" the BCS in 2004 because of what other programs did between
1996 and 2003. I'm talking about what BYU did in 1996 and 2001, and also what
TCU, Tulane and Marshall did during that same timeframe. If the same rules
existed in the BCS in 2001 that existed in 2004 that enabled Utah to go to the
Fiesta Bowl, then BYU would not have been told it would not be invited to a BCS
game while it was still undefeated and before their season was even over.
Because of anti-trust issues launched at the BCS along with Congressional
hearings, Utah has other programs to thank for busting down that door because no
way Utah would've been invited by the grace of the BCS. It was the top-12 BCS
ranking criteria that was established because of what other programs fought for
prior to 2004 that made Utah the beneficiary. What exactly did Utah do prior to
2004 to help break the BCS?

The Utah "juggernaut" would have
crashed and burned against an impenetrable BCS stonewall if not for BYU.

Naval VetPhiladelphia, PA

Nov. 16, 2011 3:00 p.m.

@Independence Is Bliss [10:21pm]:

cont...

Do you think the
new "Big C-USA's" TV revenues will be come anywhere NEAR ours? You're
gloating is very premature. I remember all the smug gloating cougar fans were
doing with their "imminent" invitation to the Big XII...and that was
back during the summer of 2010. But they didn't want you.

I also
remember gloating back during the summer of 2011 when DeepShadesofBlue pretended
that the Big East invited them back THEN. But they didn't want you.

I also remember gloating earlier this fall when cougar fans boasted of a Big
XII invitation "already in hand". Seems you didn't learn from your
previous 2 stumbles. And again, they didn't want you.

So now it's
back to round-2 with the Big East. And contrary to your misconception, NEITHER
party is in a position of power. The power position rests a few hundred miles
north; in Boise.

JohnInSLCCottonwood Heights, UT

Nov. 16, 2011 2:53 p.m.

"Without BYU forcing the Bowl Alliance and the BCS to allow greater access
to their cartel, Utah never would have had the chance to play in a BCS game.U can thank BYU for unlocking the door to the BCS."

BlueCoug:

Wow! That's some bright lipstick you've tried to put on
the pig of history.

In fact, the cartels of the Bowl Alliance and its
successor the BCS were created BECAUSE of BYU's being voted national champions
despite their pitifully weak regular season schedule and narrow victory over a
6-5 Michigan team. They wanted to make sure such a travesty never happened
again. It wasn't until Utah came along in 2004 to kick down the door with a team
that went undefeated in a season that included games against some decent teams
(excluding the Team Down South, of course).

That crystal football
the Y was belatedly awarded is a simply a monument to BYU's role in creating the
athletic equivalent of OPEC. So, no, the Utes have only Urban Meyer, Alex
Smith, Sione Pouha, Eric Weddle, etc, to thank for kicking in the BCS door.

CougaristaSalt Lake City, UT

Nov. 16, 2011 2:53 p.m.

Thanks for all the interest and advice from ute fans. In the end, it's not that
important. Athletics is not BYU's reason for living as opposed to some Utah
schools.

Naval VetPhiladelphia, PA

Nov. 16, 2011 2:52 p.m.

@Independence Is Bliss [10:21pm]:

"A BCS conference wants BYU so
bad that they are willing to concede on all of our demands and get their power
brokers to lobby hard for us to join....Contrast that to the 'no money for the
first 5 years/it's not our place to make demands' deal made by another
team."

By "power brokers" do you mean Boise State?
Because it wasn't until THEY lobbied for you that the Big East took a look at
you. In fact, the Big East voted and approved to extend invitations to BSU,
AFA, SMU, Houston, UCF, and Navy, but did NOT vote to approve the Y at that
time.

The Big East is in a weak position. They're close to losing
their AQ status [and still is], so they're desperate. The Pac-10 was not [and
is still not]. Furthermore, Utah is receiving $4.6M now, and will be receiving
$15+ million in 2012, $20+ million in 2013, and $25.5 million in 2014. And
those figures don't include whatever we're expected to rake in on the Pac-12
Network, which is est. at $8-11 million more per yr, and effective 2012.

Bleed CrimsonSandy, Utah

Nov. 16, 2011 2:49 p.m.

@ BlueCoug

What planet are you from? BYU is the reason the Bowl
Alliance and the Bowl Championship Series was created. The Bowl Alliance and the
BCS were created to prevent undeserving WAC teams who play cream puff schedules
from playing for a National Championship. In other words, your 1984 National
Championship caused the problem. You are incorrect about your 2001 BYU football
team opening the door for Utah's BCS busting season in 2004. When the BCS was
formed in 1998, the rules for a non-aq team was to finish the regular season in
the top 6 to get an automatic bid to a BCS Bowl game. BYU's 2001 team was
sitting around 7-10 in the rankings. They were not going to qualify anyway
because they were not in the top 6. Utah's 2004 team opened the gates for all
the future BCS busters. The new BCS rule for a non-aq is: Win your conference,
stay undefeated, and finish in the top 12 for an automatic bid. If Utah never
busted the BCS, Boise State would never had their famous Fiesta Bowl.

If this is such a great idea, the Big East, then why
has byU not accepted the invitation.

Food for thought

GoGetterSandy, UT

Nov. 16, 2011 2:37 p.m.

BlueCoug,

BYU created the whole problem of the BCS. You didn't unlock
anything, but rather put bolts on and tightened them. Nothing could get through
that BCS door until a juggernaut team busts it open by themselves when everyone
said it couldn't be done.

I think BYU has done enough
"helping" for other teams. Thanks to BYU, mid-majors get dumped on and
no respect.

Way to go.

UU702Layton, UT

Nov. 16, 2011 2:37 p.m.

@PAC Man"It's amazing all of the chest-beating Utah fans continue to
do about a "meaningless" win two months ago."

Given
the current state of affairs I would agree with your assessment of your team.
Thanks!

VegasBartN. Las Vegas, NV

Nov. 16, 2011 2:35 p.m.

Those claiming that the Big East is worse than the MWC had it right. However,
with TCU gone next year and if BYU, Boise, and Air Force leave, the MWC is left
with Wyo, NM, CSU, UNLV, SDSU, Hawaii, and Nevada. Others may also join but I'm
afraid this new mix will not be close to the new pending Big East. My MWC is
going down.

cotcougDraper, UT

Nov. 16, 2011 2:33 p.m.

since when has any byu fan said independence is better than being in an AQ
conference..... never. Is independence and the ESPN deal better than the MTN...
no brainer. So all you eeuwte trolls who want to say we are flip flopping from
"independence is best" to "the BEAST" rules.... save it....
AQ is AQ. AQ>Independence>the MTN

giantfanFarmington, UT

Nov. 16, 2011 2:31 p.m.

Re: ConferenceofChampions

I'm not sure you can support your claim
that jumping to independence was a "knee-jerk" reaction to Utah doing
anything since independence in its first year alone, and the ESPN TV contract,
has been world's better than what was endured in the MWC for the previous 10
years. If something better than independence comes along then BYU should make
the move and it would not be "knee-jerk" either, especially since
independence provides a lot more flexibility than if part of a conference. I
love it how you insecure Utah fans assume that BYU does anything because of what
Utah does.

Naval VetPhiladelphia, PA

Nov. 16, 2011 2:31 p.m.

@Duckhunter [9:19pm]:

If you "knew ot [sic] for a fact"
that Big Least officials were in Provo a couple of weeks ago, why didn't you
link us to your source? I asked you on more than one occasion to link me to a
source that stands up to scrutiny, and you failed every time. I did my own
google search to find ANYTHING, but nothing turned up. Until now. Now we have
a Jay Drew article making the first mention of them visiting published just
yesterday.

So how did you know?

Answer: I don't think
you DID know. I think you WISHED they were there, and by some coincidence, it
panned out.

I was wrong. As a Ute fan, I'm allowed to admit that
without getting kicked out of the Crimson Club, or having my degree revoked.

BlueCougOrem, UT

Nov. 16, 2011 2:20 p.m.

Ultimate Ute Fan

Utah simply got a little lucky with timing and wins
-- playing a weak schedule in 2004; squeaking out a couple of home wins against
TCU and OSU in 2008; and BYU 1996 and 2001 opening the door for Utah to qualify
for a BCS game.

Without BYU forcing the Bowl Alliance and the BCS to
allow greater access to their cartel, Utah never would have had the chance to
play in a BCS game.

U can thank BYU for unlocking the door to the
BCS.

ConferenceofChampionsHerriman, UT

Nov. 16, 2011 2:14 p.m.

Its just strange that the BYU admin sold this indy thing HARD to the fan base.
Now 2/3 through the inagural season, they are jumping ship to go to the big
east? Dosent seem very well thought out. Makes it certainly appear as if the
move to indy was simply a knee jerk reaction to Utah getting invited.

cougar76Raleigh, NC

Nov. 16, 2011 2:10 p.m.

This will be a good move for BYU. We will get everything we asked for and did
not get from the 12-pack and big-12...in spite of chris b's rantings. Now all
he can say is that the conference will lose its bcs status. Well, that won't
happen if the conference gets the teams it is seeking. As for
johnjamesjingleyourhindend, all I can say is that the BYU fans doing a 360 and
singing the praises of the bcs will not be as over the top as it has been on the
mole hill up north. Don't have time to read any more troll posts, but I see the
pattern. Now that BYU's relevance comes to the fore again, the trolls are
panicking.

Naval VetPhiladelphia, PA

Nov. 16, 2011 2:10 p.m.

I have to laugh at the hoards of these frantic and emotional cougar fans
gloating about this invite. It's going to take some time for me to get through
these comments, but I'm going to have fun doing it.

@BigSkies
[8:47am]:

"I have to admit that my first post was deleted...due
to some expletive laced comments directed at...Naval Vet.......I think we could
actually get along if we simply embraced some common ground...2. BYU has an
excellent football program and the primary reason they weren't invited to the
PAC 10 was because of the religious bias..."

Haha! I got so far
under your skin, I made commit an Honor Code violation. And no, "religious
bias" was not the reason you weren't invited. There is no "common
ground" to come to in that desperate excuse. You weren't invited because
you didn't fit the Pac-10's "academic, athletic, and cultural"
standards. In other words, you weren't invited because you weren't wanted.

54-10Salt Lake City, UT

Nov. 16, 2011 2:06 p.m.

@ jazzfan14 | 2:00 p.m. Nov. 16, 2011 Sandy, UT

You need to
keep in mind that Duckhunter is a 12 year old girl, so yes she ends her posts
with LOL.

PAC manAnaheim, CA

Nov. 16, 2011 2:02 p.m.

UU702

It's amazing all of the chest-beating Utah fans continue to do
about a "meaningless" win two months ago.

What it really
shows is that, despite all of their denials, BYU is still by far the most
meaningful game on Utah's schedule. Utah fans would rather finish in the
basement of the PAC 12, than lose to BYU.

U can deny it all you want
to, but the fact that you're here talking trash on a BYU blog, rather than
talking trash about your upcoming game on another Cougar blog, proves otherwise.

CaliforniaCougarLake Elsinore, CA

Nov. 16, 2011 2:01 p.m.

Stay Independent!

Going to the Big East is backward.

I
don't need to see Houston and SMU on the schedule as 'rival' games. That is the
WAC of the 90s. We ditched that idea to go to the Mountain West, and then to
independence ... and now back?

The November schedule will be okay in
a few years.

Wait this thing out.

jazzfan14Sandy, UT

Nov. 16, 2011 2:00 p.m.

@ Duckhunter: Have you ever had a post not end in "LOL!"? Do you
really laugh out loud at the end of each of your posts? I doubt anyone else has
ever laughed at the end of any of your posts.

Ultimate Ute FanLEHI, UT

Nov. 16, 2011 1:57 p.m.

To all BYU Fans, this is a truthful question, not a dig: What is it about BYU's
program that hasn't allowed them to run the table and get into a BCS game yet?
Do you feel it's the coaches? The schemes? The players? The mentality?

Utah has done it twice, Boise has done it twice, TCU has done it, Hawaii
has done it, and it looks like Houston might bust the BCS this year as well.
There's no reason BYU shouldn't have done it by now. Thoughts?

UU702Layton, UT

Nov. 16, 2011 1:56 p.m.

@Sportzfan

"Not Ute fans. They can't. That's why they point and
say "Scoreboard."

Okay, that's 10 seconds I'll never get back...now that
they have wifi at the playground you win.

atl134Salt Lake City, UT

Nov. 16, 2011 1:54 p.m.

Correction... I messed up my math in there, the Big East as currently
constructed has a Sagarin rank average of 56.0.

Ultimate Ute FanLEHI, UT

Nov. 16, 2011 1:54 p.m.

As a die hard Ute fan I hope BYU gets into a BCS conference as soon as possible.

I love the BYU-Utah rivalry, my first choice would have been to see
BYU in the Pac 12 South division with Utah. USC, UCLA, ASU, AZ, BYU, UTAH -
would have been a lot of fun. My second choice would be to see BYU in the Big
12. Let's call a spade a spade, the Big East is not as good as the MWC was when
BYU, Utah and TCU were all at the top of their games. That said, this is a
brilliant opportunity for BYU. I would say that most people would agree the Pac
12 is a stronger conference, and the Big 12 is also a stronger conference than
the Big East. I think BYU would have a tough time winning consistently in the
Big 12 as Utah has in the Pac 12. But if BYU can get past Boise, they should
compete for a Big East championship every year = BCS invite. My point: Big
East < old MWC, great news for BYU. Hopefully BYU gets to a BCS game within
3-5 yrs. They should.

DeepBlueAnaheim, CA

Nov. 16, 2011 1:51 p.m.

Portland Beavers

"the UTES are in a conference and loving it. WE
are part of the PAC-12."

So why are you here?

If it's
not an obsession, then it must be insecurity.

What difference does it
make to Utah fans whether or not BYU joins the Big East?

U.HoustonCougarFORT WORTH, TX

Nov. 16, 2011 1:50 p.m.

Schools like BYU, Houston, and Central Florida will do wellby joining a
higher level conference.

These schools have large enrollments,
numerous alumni, and support. They will have greater resources in the Big
East. They have good facilities and coaches. They are in areas where they
can recruit exceptionlly well. They will have nationwide exposure in the
Big East.

They will boom!

I can speak for no one but
myself, but I believe BYU would be greatin the Big East.

Of course that's not a very big difference at all. The Big East, if it
were to be that, would be a good conference. Though the funny thing is... the
current makeup of the Big East has an average Sagarin rank of 48.0 (32 36 46 47
59 71 78 79). Maybe we need to replace Colorado with BYU, Colorado's weighing us
down.

FYI - Dallas
Mavericks and Charlotte Hornets same as Jazz. But it's only home games that are
not nationally televised. Not a problem for Jazz of late. Long time season
ticket holders know this.

There are more people in the South that
honor Sunday than there are people in Utah. I'm from Jacksonville. So, why do we
have NFL and Nascar Sundays? Because the population is big enough to support
Sunday sports too.

LancoANCHORAGE, AK

Nov. 16, 2011 1:36 p.m.

"We'll find the place which God for us prepared,Far away, in
the" ..... East?

UU702Layton, UT

Nov. 16, 2011 1:35 p.m.

@CG"The bone was the win, gift-wrapped with 7 turnovers."

Uhhhh...thanks for clearing that up, and thanks for letting the Utes go
"Arcade Game" with your score board!

phoenixGilbert, AZ

Nov. 16, 2011 1:31 p.m.

Portland Beavers

"Utah's football program HAS left BYU in the
dust, anyone that has any idea of the game of football knows that."

SagarinUtah 34BYU 53

Yes, that's some monumental
disparity.

Utah has absolutely NO CHANCE of playing in the Rose Bowl
this year. Even if the Utes somehow managed to backdoor their way into the PAC
12 championship game (Arizona State would have to lose at home to Arizona), the
Utes would be destroyed by Oregon or Stanford.

Give me a break-look at the Red Round up and you will see
Y fans doing the exact same thing. Having fun with each others programs.

Utah's football program HAS left BYU in the dust, anyone that has any
idea of the game of football knows that. Utah football is better.

Anyone using this SOS to rate teams is a computer geek-that's all fans BYU and
Utah

Utah still does have a chance for the Rose Bowl, the UTES are in
a conference and loving it. "WE are part of the PAC-12.

And the
"panic"-whatever you talk about going to a BCS Bowl with a conference
that hasn't even been made up. Big East (West) WOW.

Who is
DELUSIONAL here, not even in a conference YET and talking about championships
and BCS games, just a little more "clueless drivel", yea right!!

UU702Layton, UT

Nov. 16, 2011 1:01 p.m.

@Tom in CA"Until you can play with the WAC powerhouse Broncos, you
might want to consider using caps with Boise State."

You really
are their little brother...how does that song go? "Lean on me when your not
strong..."

UU702Layton, UT

Nov. 16, 2011 12:59 p.m.

@ CG"The little lapdog was thrown a bone in September so he wouldn't
feel so rejected in his new kennel."

Actually 54 bones...but
who's counting?

ida-cougPocatello, ID

Nov. 16, 2011 12:57 p.m.

UU702

"Utah= One invite and one acceptance. Thank you Larry
Scott.byu= One pending invite and one pending acceptance. Thank you boise
state.

BTW...the lap dog lifted its leg on your stadium in September
and marked its territory. "

As much as I dispise
"some" of the u of u fans... and it really hurts to admit this. But
that last line was pretty funny..... Did you get it off the bathroom wall you
were just cleaning. I know, "at least its a job".

BYU will
do whats best for BYU...

From another, "arrogant,
self-righteous, BYU fan and proud of it....

GO COUGS

Mike WSyracuse, UT

Nov. 16, 2011 12:56 p.m.

"BYU will stay independent, or go to whatever conference on their own
terms, unlike utah, who was happy as a lap dog just to be chosen as an
afterthought."

I love Utah County jealousy!!! That
"afterthought" also put a 54-10 beating on you on your own field this
year... you can't honestly tell me BYU wouldn't kill to be where Utah is right
now? Don't get me wrong, I want to see BYU in an AQ conference as well as it's
better for college football in Utah as a whole and they deserve it along
w/Boise, but to make comments like that only shows your ignorance.

TrueBlueOrem, UT

Nov. 16, 2011 12:54 p.m.

Kouger

Why are jealous Utah trolls so anxious to see Bronco, Doman,
and Jake leave Provo and for BYU to reject an invitation to the Big East?

Could it be that you're scared to death of the building momentum at BYU
and that Utah won't be able to remain competitive with BYU if that momentum
isn't stopped?

RationalSalt Lake City, UT

Nov. 16, 2011 12:53 p.m.

Utah'95 | 11:09 a.m. Nov. 16, 2011 FPO, AESnack PAC,

You
are right - "Pac 12 teams are fully capable of losing to cupcakes."
But that's not the same thing as the Pac 12 being "filled with cupcakes.-------------------------

Maybe not, but it is. 4 PAC schools are
Sagarin ranked below Montana State. And Utah plays them all this year.

CGOrem, UT

Nov. 16, 2011 12:45 p.m.

UU702

The little lapdog was thrown a bone in September so he wouldn't
feel so rejected in his new kennel.

CivilSalt Lake City, UT

Nov. 16, 2011 12:43 p.m.

Exposure -- is an overrated concept.

BRANDING is what BYU should
want.

A single "exposure" here and there doesn't leave a
lasting impression, it creates a vague memory: "Who were those
guys?"

Branding requires multiple "exposures," which
is why being in a conference like the new Big East would be a good thing.
Repeat visits over a footprint that, with basketball, includes 154 million
people (50% of the US population), in football alone 96 millon (31% of the
US)

Some states would be visited twice, totaling 221 million
exposures if basketball fans are also football fans, 139 million in football
alone.

Granted, not every person in every state would tune in, but
"exposure" from the Big East would be huge.

By contrast,
the PAC footprint is 62 million homes, 190 million exposures, the Big 12, 37
million population, 119 million exposures. However, since the PAC consists of
paired markets (UCLA-USC, Cal-Stanford) that PAC exposure number is high, since
a fan cant watch the same game twice. (I suspect media markets parallel this
analysis)

If the goal is exposure, the Big East is BYU's best option
all along. The LDS Church already has brand recognition in the West.

KougerLehi, UT

Nov. 16, 2011 12:32 p.m.

I hope the delay is because they're hiring a new coach and staff. Therefore, it
will be even greater news if I see this as a headline soon "BYU - New
Conference, New Coaching Staff." Yeeeeaahhh!

Tom in CAVallejo, CA

Nov. 16, 2011 12:29 p.m.

UU702:

Until you can play with the WAC powerhouse Broncos, you might
want to consider using caps with Boise State.

jimmyjonesProvo, UT

Nov. 16, 2011 12:24 p.m.

The Big East knows they are on the verge of losing AQ status. That is why they
are picking up programs that made the MWC, the WAC, and the CUSA so great.
Adding BYU, Boise St, and Houston would greatly strengthen their conference and
likely allow them to keep their AQ status. That is why they want BYU so badly.
Boise St. won't join without them.

UU702Layton, UT

Nov. 16, 2011 12:15 p.m.

@Tom in CA

"BYU will stay independent, or go to whatever
conference on their own terms, unlike utah, who was happy as a lap dog just to
be chosen as an afterthought."

Utah= One invite and one
acceptance. Thank you Larry Scott.byu= One pending invite and one pending
acceptance. Thank you boise state.

BTW...the lap dog lifted its leg
on your stadium in September and marked its territory.

patriotCedar Hills, UT

Nov. 16, 2011 12:05 p.m.

A big factor why the Y didn't get the Big 12 invite was sunday play?? I don't
recall EVER seeing Texas or OU play on Sunday. Is the BIG 12 going to start
playing on Sunday and compete with the NFL? I don't think so. Does it make sense
to play bowl games on Sunday? I don't see why Sunday over Saturday gives any
advantage. Sunday is owned by the NFL (football wise) and college football
should stay out of it. As far as the Big East - I would worry if I were BYU that
there is no BCS contract after 2013. There is no way BYU can or will join the
Big East unless there is a BCS contract for at least 10 years I would think.

3grandslamsIowa City, IA

Nov. 16, 2011 12:03 p.m.

BYU as in Independent makes every game a bowl game. It awesome. The Cougars
shouldn't move until they have some strong commitments to access to the BCS.

Also I'm enojoying more and more the competition and attitude in the
WCC. It was great to watch Gonzaga give a beat down to Washington St.

SportsFanOrem, UT

Nov. 16, 2011 12:02 p.m.

BubbleBoy

"We Utah fans are not obsessed with BYU!"

Which explains why BYU articles aren't constantly spammed with clueless
drivel from the kids on the hill.

"We are not holier than
thou!"

Which explains why U never claimed you'd left BYU in the
dust the moment U were invited to the PAC 12.

"And we definately
are not DELUSIONAL!"

Which explains why U are still making plans
to play in the Rose Bowl this year.

What this all boils down to is
the panic settling in on Ute nation as they realize that...

In years
to come when BYU is playing for another Big East championship and another trip
to the Orange or Fiesta Bowl, you'll have to console yourself with finishing in
the middle of a stronger conference.

Utesby3Sandy, UT

Nov. 16, 2011 11:49 a.m.

Congrats to BYU for an invitation to the Big East. I'm not sure why BYU wouldn't
accept the invite, as this may be their last chance to avoid being left out if
things move toward the direction of superconferences.

Pac12ProudSALT LAKE CITY, UT

Nov. 16, 2011 11:47 a.m.

Bubble Boy | 11:20 a.m. Nov. 16, 2011 "We cougar fans are not
obsessed with Utah! We are not holier than thou! And we definately are not
DELUSIONAL!

The big least will definitely be the best BCS conference
and have the biggest payout! We never wanted to be in the PAC 12 or the Big 12.
Really."

That's funny!!

Tom in CAVallejo, CA

Nov. 16, 2011 11:40 a.m.

BYU will stay independent, or go to whatever conference on their own terms,
unlike utah, who was happy as a lap dog just to be chosen as an afterthought.

Obviously,
all of the talk about the PAC 12 being so "dominant" is just a lot of
hot air.

It could be easily argued that the Big East - West is a
better division than the PAC 12 - South, especially when the best PAC 12 team is
on probation.

Henry DrummondSan Jose, CA

Nov. 16, 2011 11:28 a.m.

Good luck cousins. I hope it works out for you. Being in a real conference is
a lot of fun.

A Ute fan.

CougarKeithRoy, UT

Nov. 16, 2011 11:28 a.m.

Well, AQ status, no SUNDAY PLAY, keep the BYUtv Network, and the ESPN Contract,
be in a 14 team "Super Conference", and ssy "NO"? I can't
say that I see that one coming around the corner. Do I think the Big East as
it's new make-up will be equal to the PAC-12? Some years yes, some years no,
once in a while SUPERIOR. I do see a NATION WIDE CONFERENCE building itself up
RECRUIT wise, facility wise, strength wise, and power wise. It will grow as a
league, and as a Conference to become better and better! Look at Miami of
Florida and Boston College, former BIG EAST Teams! As they grew they out grew
the Conference! We could KILL Conecticut, even last years Automatic Bowl Team!
Face it, THEY SUCKED!!! Houston deserves it, Boise State Deserves it, and BYU
all Deserve it! Air Force has an oportunity to get in too! As far as joining
with the other sports in the future, I think that is GREAT! I think BYU would
match up well with the East Coast Schools in Basketball within a couple years
for the BIG EAST Basketball Championship! I Say Go For It!!!

ksampowFarr West, Utah

Nov. 16, 2011 11:23 a.m.

This shows what a ridiculous state of affairs the BCS has created for college
football. The BIG EAST will have many schools from the Mountain West region and
probably even some from the West Coast region. And just to mess things up even
more, the WESTERN division will probably include a school from Florida. Does any one else long for the days of regional conferences and local
rivalries?

Bubble BoySalt Lake City, UT

Nov. 16, 2011 11:20 a.m.

We cougar fans are not obsessed with Utah! We are not holier than thou! And we
definately are not DELUSIONAL!

The big least will definitely be the
best BCS conference and have the biggest payout! We never wanted to be in the
PAC 12 or the Big 12. Really.

BPSalt Lake City, UT

Nov. 16, 2011 11:19 a.m.

I think its interesting that they are considering future full membership for the
football only teams. I can't imagine BYU trying to compete in Big East
basketball (though the idea of being a Big East basketball team intrigues
me).

Why would the Big East lose their AQ status? Most of the
programs they are picking up are either on the rise, or playing their best
football in years. UCF may be the exception, but Florida is such a hot
recruiting spot that their poor showing this year can be forgiven. SMU has had
two decent years, and will be the last team that beat TCU this year. Houston
will probably play in a BCS game (unless SMU beats them), Air Force and Navy are
decent, and let's not forget about Boise State (the BCS would love to have them
in an AQ conference, just to stop the "What about Boise State"
argument that seems to pop up every year). Remember, the Big East has always
seemed to maintain AQ status, even when West Virginia was their only decent
team. One could argue Cincinnati has been the best in the Big East for the last
5 years, and they're staying.

CordonBleuPark City, UT

Nov. 16, 2011 11:19 a.m.

Utah'95

Losing to cupcakes suggests that most PAC 12 teams wouldn't
have fared any better if they'd played the supposedly "weaker"
schedules of the teams Utah homers are whining about.

LevinHightstown, NJ

Nov. 16, 2011 11:13 a.m.

@Mormon Ute: I'm not sure how Boise State's conditional acceptance would
"burst some BYU fans' bubbles". We know what our team is: reasonably
desirable, somewhat high-maintenance. The cost/benefit analysis didn't make
sense for the Pac 10 and Big 12. Now BYU may find a partner who is willing to
meet our requirements.

I'm just excited for the possibility of seeing
BYU in New Jersey every couple years.

I-am-ISouth Jordan, UT

Nov. 16, 2011 11:10 a.m.

This is only a good deal if the Big East keeps it's automatic bid. Otherwise BYU
goes back to the same position it had in the Mountain West. (for those that
don't remember) They were in a conference of teams that lack big football
relevance. I think we've all heard this before, "well they are undefeated
but they haven't really played anyone that good." How many teams in the big
east are ranked in the top 25 this year? How many of those are sticking around?
I think the likelihood of keeping that automatic bid that expires in 2013 is
iffy.

Utah'95FPO, AE

Nov. 16, 2011 11:09 a.m.

Snack PAC,

You are right - "Pac 12 teams are fully capable of
losing to cupcakes." But that's not the same thing as the Pac 12 being
"filled with cupcakes.

UU702Layton, UT

Nov. 16, 2011 10:56 a.m.

The big east had last pick on the playground and then boise state asked if their
little brother could play too. I love it!

golfrUteSALT LAKE CITY, UT

Nov. 16, 2011 10:54 a.m.

One Ute fan's perspective: I would have loved to see BYU in the PAC 12 with us
to keep the rivalry tied to the same conference. My 2nd choice for the Y would
have been the Big 12 just based on the strength of the football programs. That
being said, if the Big East makes financial sense for the Y, I hope it works out
and I hope the rivalry game with the Utes continues. No one could have
predicted the volatility in conference realignments, each school has to make the
decisions they feel are in their own best interest. I'm thrilled the Utes are
in the PAC 12 and hope BYU joins an AQ conference. No way the Big East is going
to lose AQ status with their population based political clout. Both schools in
AQ conferences, plus the rivalry game continues = my best case scenario.

COUGARNATELyman, WY

Nov. 16, 2011 10:52 a.m.

Playing Boise State on the last weekend of November is not a bad thing. Playing
Air Force and Navy would be great too.

FubecaoBellevue, WA

Nov. 16, 2011 10:49 a.m.

The thing I like about independence is a different schedule every year. Playing
a home-and-home series against Houston or Louisville would be fun, but I don't
want to play them EVERY YEAR. The 2011 and 2012 schedules are the result of
last-minute scheduling, so you can't compare them to the potential long-term Big
East schedule. I am anxiously awaiting 2013 (Notre Dame, Texas, Georgia Tech,
Boise State, Washington State...) and beyond, and wouldn't want that messed up
by having to play the likes of SMU every year.

Sorry to disappoint you, but your quest to get BYU to
abandon sports is a miserable failure. You should consider finding a new
obsession.

CanyontrekerTAYLORSVILLE, UT

Nov. 16, 2011 10:39 a.m.

AZ Blue & RedIf there is a bigger mission for the Mormon Church than
the players should take off the uniform with the prophet's name before they talk
to the press. I can't imagine a missionary getting on TV and saying I hate other
groups of people. There are a lot of new people in the East to upset with such
players and fans.Perhaps you can learn from the Olympics. Team USA would
be disciplined if they said they hate a particular country, all their fans, and
everything associated with that country. BYU fans have upset the west with
self-righteous remarks like no-Sunday play, because nobody plays college
football on Sunday. BYU should make a lot of changes on treating guests before
they join the Big East or your mission is not in line with your Church.

christophBrigham City, UT

Nov. 16, 2011 10:37 a.m.

Don't go---those teams are as bad as the teams the Y is playing this year (the
exception being West Virginia and Utah State)

Snack PACOlympus Cove, Utah

Nov. 16, 2011 10:34 a.m.

Utah'95

see CG | 9:27 a.m. post

PAC 12 teams are fully
capable of losing to cupcakes.

Mormon UteKaysville, UT

Nov. 16, 2011 10:33 a.m.

If Air Force and Boise State leave the MWC for the Big East and BYU and Houston
also go to the Big East, you will see the Big East surge past the MWC in the
rankings. The Big East is fighting for survival and it needs teams like Boise
State to survive. After losing TCU to the Big 12 they had to do something. The
other teams they lost weren't comparable to TCU in football.

Boise
State has basically made the formation of a West Division their condition of
accepting the invite. BYU, Air Force, Houston and SMU are keys to that
division. If any one of them rejects the invite, the deal falls apart. Sorry
to burst some BYU fan's bubbles, but BYU is wanted so badly right now in order
to keep Boise State interested. The interest in BYU isn't just for what BYU
itself brings, but because of Boise State's demand. I would wager the same
interest that is being shown for BYU is also being shown for Air Force, Houston
and SMU. Why do I say this? Because Boise State was contacted long before BYU
and made their demand of the West Division very clear.

SLC BYU FanSalt Lake City, UT

Nov. 16, 2011 10:27 a.m.

If the LDS Church is serious about making an example of "no Sunday
play" why then do they continue to have BYU be part of the NFL farm system?
I'm now of the opinion that it is honestly time for church leadership to think
more seriously about droping football at BYU and just continuing basketball and
other sports in the WCC.

IbleedcrimsonCottonwood Heights, UT

Nov. 16, 2011 10:25 a.m.

Congrats BYU, if you accept you deserve to be in a AQ conference. I hope the
rivalry game can continue under these circumstances.

Mormon UteKaysville, UT

Nov. 16, 2011 10:21 a.m.

I see some comments complaining about the travel distance. I'm puzzled by that
given the fact that the BYU administration stated one of the reasons for going
independent was to be able to play all over the country where their fans are so
more fans could see a game in person.

I think this is a win-win for
BYU. They get to play in far flung places every year so they accomplish that
goal of playing all over the country where their fans are and they also get the
BCS affiliation that will give them access to more money, the BCS bowls and a
better shot at the title.

This would also be a coup for BYU against
those original founders of the Bowl Alliance (which preceded the BCS) whose
secret objective was to prevent BYU or any other non-AQ school from ever having
a shot at the national title again. Not to mention keeping all the money away
from those schools to prevent them from being able to build programs that can
compete with them.

Mike WSyracuse, UT

Nov. 16, 2011 10:19 a.m.

It's not the PAC 12, in terms of quality or money, but I think this will be an
improvement over independence. I'd like to see the Big East make the western
division more logical (maybe a 7 team division that puts BYU, Boise, Air Force,
San Diego, Tulsa, SMU and Houston together?) as opposed to the current proposal
that has Louisville or Central Florida in the West however.

Of
course, it remains to be seen if the ACC or Big 12 raid teams like Louisville
down the road, or if the BCS continues and the Big East can retain an automatic
bid... winning this conference will surely be easier than any of the 5 other AQ
conferences... maybe BYU can finally do what Utah, Boise, Hawaii, TCU and
probably Houston have already done!

TrueBlueOrem, UT

Nov. 16, 2011 10:10 a.m.

Typical BYU schedule in the new Big East

5 games (home/away) against
BSU, Houston, AFA, SMU, and Louisville3 games against UCF, So Fla, Conn,
Cinn, Navy, RutgersUtahUtah St2 games against teams like
Texas, Notre Dame, Georgia Tech, and Hawaii

At most, BYU would play a
couple of conference games in the East each year.

btw, it's
2,180 miles from Provo to Newark, NJ; it's 3,685 miles from Provo to
Honolulu, HI

The trolls are really getting desperate if the only
smack they have left is whining about travel and conference geography.

Razzle2Bluffdale, UT

Nov. 16, 2011 10:09 a.m.

It's not just about getting into a BCS Bowl. A big conference is fun to the end
scratching for position. Utah is not going to the Rose Bowl, but the fans will
be crazy on Saturday for a possible position over UCLA. The conference games
have more meaning. Did you see that WA ST-AZ ST game? Fantastic. And the
USC-UCLA game has real significance to the Utes. Fantastic.I wish it was
BYU Big 12, but I'll take the Big East and BYU TV with a great smile.And
Notre Dame, which will never join the Big East in football because they have a
better BCS deal already.

AZ Blue & RedGilbert, AZ

Nov. 16, 2011 9:58 a.m.

I have not read all the posts but am I the only one that thinks that staying
independent is not such a bad thing? OK I get the fact this is a possible great
opportunity but we have some good teams coming on the schedule and in time I
think more will follow suit. And who does not play a few powder puff teams. Go
look at LSU and Nebraska Ohio State and Michigan. They all do.

I
will respect the decision of BYU on this. But if they turn it down I will not
be the first to stand up and say you should go and you are making a huge
mistake. I see lots of positives staying to be honest. I don't think this is
all about football. We have a mission and like it or not this is a huge part of
it. There is much more to life than football. As people are exposed to BYU and
the Church look further eternal truths are now involved. Those who are not
members or BYU haters may not understand but I think those of us that are and
really think about it will.

I am excited either way

Y Grad / Y DadRichland, WA

Nov. 16, 2011 9:46 a.m.

Macfarren | 7:26 a.m. Nov. 16, 2011

"Clearly BYU
isn't comfortable in their own skin. They've been independent now for what, like
10 minutes, supposedly the greatest decision ever, and yet already they're
scrambling to be accepted by another conference?"

Nice
misconstruction of the facts, friend. Must improve reading for comprehension.
You will notice, upon re-reading, that others are doing the scrambling. And BYU
is the one not jumping, or had you noticed?

Quite a high profile
group of representatives beating a pathway to Provo. I'd say BYU seems VERY
comfortable "in it's own skin."

Utah'95FPO, AE

Nov. 16, 2011 9:45 a.m.

IDC,

You said, "The western division would be a lot tougher than
some of the other BCS conference divisions out there."

Specifically, which divisions?

U.HoustonCougarFORT WORTH, TX

Nov. 16, 2011 9:44 a.m.

From one Cougar(University of Houston) to others,

I hope BYU and the
other considered universities join the Big East.

BYU would bring a
tremendous amount. The Western Division would have some great football.

The article, "Y. invited to Big East but still talking" indicated
BYU was getting everything wanted. I hope basketball is one of the items. Your
school and mine could have an excellent competition. University of Houston
basketball is on an up swing.Rival.com rated their latest recruiting class
at number 10. The prior class was very good as well. Could we have a Cougar
versus Cougar basketball championship game in Madision Square Garden?

I see the Big East as a great opporturnity. Even if AQ is removed or
eliminated, the media market will drawf other conferences. This should provide
contracts, to be negotiated next year, to provide good income to each member
school. The exposure in the Big East will be great for the schools too.

NightOwlAmericaSALEM, OR

Nov. 16, 2011 9:39 a.m.

Just because you might join the Big Least does not mean it will keep its AQ
status.If your program is so great, go ask the Big10, SEC, ACC or Pac12 to
take you.Instead we hear about rumors of failing conferences needing you
to keep afloat.

Go ahead and join with Boise St. The Big Least will
look like a glorified MWC or WAC. That's all.

Utah'95FPO, AE

Nov. 16, 2011 9:36 a.m.

Here's a Utah fan who wants to see BYU join a more reputable conference. They
have done enough to warrant an invitation.

I had hoped the Cougars
would end up in the Big-12, but it looks like that won't be happening. Teams in
the Mountain Time Zone becoming members of the Big East Conference certainly
sounds funny. But if the Western Division consists of the teams suggested, then
membership would only require a few trips to the East Coast each year.

Now, a few responses to some earlier comments:

Truth Machine - the
won-loss record of the "Big East - West" is 40-18. You should take
into account the SOS of the teams. EVERY team in the Pac-12 South played a more
difficult schedule than the teams in the "Big East West." The BEW
average SOS is 74, and that of the P12S is 22.

Bluto - so you hope
this move prompts Holmoe to "shed Utah from BYU's schedule?" Be
careful what you wish for. The Utes have beaten BYU 7 of the last 10 times, 3
times by blowouts. I doubt your chances are any better against Boise State.

Looking for more "meaningful" blowout losses?

utesovertideSalt Lake City, UT

Nov. 16, 2011 9:35 a.m.

Independence Is Bliss:

Contrast that to the "no money for the
first 5 years/it's not our place to make demands" deal made by another
team.

Wow, seriously? How many times does Utah's deal have to be
explained on this paper?

first year Utah receives 2 million from
divided conference championship revenue (approx. $24M divided by 12), plus any
of the divided bowl money. So, Utah could get about 4 million this year.second year, Utah receives HALF of the projected TV revenue, plus another 2
million for the championship game, plus any divided bowl money, plus 100% of the
network revenue. This means Utah could get about 15-16 million.third
year, Utah receives 75% of the projected TV revenue, plus another 2 million for
the championship game, plus any divided bowl money, plus 100% of the network
revenue. This means Utah could get about 20 million.Fourth year, Utah
would receive 100% of TV revenue, 2 million for the championship game, plus any
divided bowl revenue, plus 100% of network revenue. At this point the revenue
is projected to be above 30 million. 4+15+20+30=69 Million. That's a lot more
than "no money".

Don't kid yourself. Except
for USC, Stanford and Oregon, the PAC 12 is filled with cupcakes.

cougar76Raleigh, NC

Nov. 16, 2011 9:23 a.m.

Now that everyone knows BYU is relevant in football, can we dismiss Chris B as
irrelevant?

abejonesSCOTT DEPOT, WV

Nov. 16, 2011 9:18 a.m.

Good ol Deseret News. A tip toe, yes, maybe, not yet,...Why bother if you have
no news. We learn elsewhere about TV wrinkles, about visits by Bog East school
presidents impressed with BYU's facilities and TV capacity. I join the other
commentators in saying Amen, lets go. I am a Big East WVU fan. I HATED to see
WVU abandon ship, but, ironic as life is, it helped bring this about.I am sure
most of you will not be swayed by the "you ain t the PAC" blogs from
the 1960 left overs imitating actual Utes from Sugarhouse, but these teams are
better than you know. And they are also world class institutions. BYU will
associate with dear old Rutgers, the home of college football, and if you have a
child in BYU's music program, know that U of Cinn is right up there with
them.They also play their home games in the NFL Paul Brown stadium. Louisville
is an LDS type city.. clean, green, and cultured. Its stadium is much like Rice
Stadium, slightly larger, and home of a Bowl game.i.e, this no little brother
conference

IDCBoise, ID

Nov. 16, 2011 9:10 a.m.

Independence is just fine. If the Big East is willing to offer the stability of
a conference (as stable as it is), exposure across the nation (some games played
east coast), continuation of BYU's tv deals (BYUtv,ESPN), and no Sunday play, I
think BYU should jump at it. The western division would be a lot tougher than
some of the other BCS conference divisions out there. Go Cougars!

giantfanFarmington, UT

Nov. 16, 2011 9:06 a.m.

Re: Anonymous Infinity

Who cares if it's called the Big East? The
Pac-12 doesn't consist of purely pacific coast teams. The Big XII only has 10
teams and the Big Ten has 12. So BYU should turn down the opportunity because of
its name and diametric geography? A western division composed of programs that
have been suggested would be a good thing for BYU, and the trolls know it and
they're getting even more irrational, if that's even possible.

Oh well...nice to see so many of Craig Thompson's Facebook
Friends post on these message boards.

giantfanFarmington, UT

Nov. 16, 2011 8:59 a.m.

wwookie,

Have you not been paying attention? There would be a Western
Division of the Big East and BYU would make maybe one or two trips to the East
Coast during a 12-game season. And going to Florida on a regular basis is a good
thing.

ArynenMidvale, UT

Nov. 16, 2011 8:52 a.m.

wwookie,

BYU didn't go looking to join the Big East, nor the Big 12,
or any other conference. BYU only went looking to go Independent and control
their own destiny. Those other conferences came looking for BYU. The Big 12
lost interest because of the no Sunday play rule, the Big East is desperate
simply to survive and sees BYU along with BSU as an anchor point. Enough with
the generalizations that BYU is the one seeking out new conferences in
desperation, because it just doesn't make sense.

BYU is fine right
where it is and is in a position to call its own shots. I'm kinda hoping that
BYU stays independent and sees where it takes them. College football is going
to look completely different 2 years from now than it does today because it's
changing so fast. Sit back, be patient, and enjoy the freedom of conference
politics couple with a fantastic tv deal. There is no reason to run to the Big
East just because they came calling. The Big East needs BYU; BYU doesn't need
the Big East.

Anonymous InfinityAmerican Fork, UT

Nov. 16, 2011 8:50 a.m.

You join the Big East. How do we define the geography of the "Big
East"? You have to be kidding me. How about joining the Big Sky; then we
wouldn't have to change our scheduling of Idaho State and the Montana schools,
with the added bonus of keeping/adding Weber State and those pesky Northern
Arizona Lumberjacks on our schedule. Unbelievable.

SyracuseCougSyracuse, ut

Nov. 16, 2011 8:48 a.m.

Take it! The opportunity may never be there again. I highly doubt the BE will
lose it AQ status, it's based in the east coast for heaven's sake and the huge
media presence there. Stop singing praises about the MWC, it's only becasue of
TCU and Boise State that the MWC is getting so much love this year, guess what,
TCU is definately gone, and Boise will likely go to the BE.

Take it
BYU!

Still Blue after all these yearsKaysville, UT

Nov. 16, 2011 8:48 a.m.

I really hope that BYU is also asking for help in pre-seaason basketball
scheduling. What I'd like to see is 2-3 HOME basketball games from the Big
East schools in the east and 2-3 games on the road against them. Teams like
G-town, Depaul, ND, St Johns, Villanova, etc. That would really prepare us
for conference play in the WCC and not hurt our RPI that much. In addition to
BYUtv replays or live if not covered by ESPN, no Sunday play and an easy exit if
the Big East loses AQ status (which I do not think they will). And if the Big
East keeps its AQ status, all schools, including BYU should sign off on a stiff
penalty for leaving, making it difficult for Louisville and/or Cinncinnati to
leave for Big XII. I know Pitino does not want to go to Big XII, but football
rules all decisions.

majmajorLayton, UT

Nov. 16, 2011 8:38 a.m.

The biggest advantage for the Cougs to join the Big-East is help in scheduling
(Nov). A Western Division would also be tougher than the current Big-East. It
would be a combination of the best of Conference USA and the MWC. It would dump
the constant bottom dwellers (San Diego State, Mexico, UTEP) of both conferences
and potentially ensures the conference remains within the BCS.

I
think that BYU has the potential of winning the potential conference once every
5-10 years. The best thing about the tougher competition is that it will make
the Cougs better and even more competitive over the long-run, and winning the
conference would mean something. I am not sure that the Cougar fans have the
patience to be a 2-3rd place team during most years.

I still am not a
fan of BYU going to the Big-East, but I can see some of the advantages.

BRSandy, UT

Nov. 16, 2011 8:37 a.m.

I am looking forward to see Boise, Air Force and maybe San Diego State to leave
the MWC - I want that conference to close their doors.

M. ButlerBrooklyn, NY

Nov. 16, 2011 8:35 a.m.

As long as they're joining the "Big East" why don't they move
somewhere closer? Maybe Palmyra.

sly_spyOceanside, CA

Nov. 16, 2011 8:34 a.m.

I can't see any other conference beating the Big East for AQ status in 2013.
The MWC, MAC, Conf USA and WAC will have been completely gutted. They are
giving BYU the no Sunday play AND our TV deal.

The brethren are
smart guys. They know how to hold out for the best deal. I'm sure that they
are working on details like renegotiating the ESPN contract and making sure that
the fan base in the west can see the games.

There are 7 bowl tie ins
with the Big East. If BYU wins the conference they'll go to a BCS. If they have
a winning season, they'll be in a bowl game. This is a no-brainer. Need to work
out the details and take the deal.

JustintimeYBoise, Id

Nov. 16, 2011 8:31 a.m.

Anti Bush Obama: you must mean the same BSU team that spanked the Utes and made
them like it in the Vegas Bowl Last Year??? The same would happen to the utes
this year if the played TCU.

SportsFanOrem, UT

Nov. 16, 2011 8:27 a.m.

KamUte

"Wake us when their is news to report."

Why? U troll BYU news 24/7.

EdCullenOrem, UT

Nov. 16, 2011 8:22 a.m.

I'd rather be in the Big 12, but if the Sunday play is the issue, there's no
getting past that.

RockwellBaltimore, MD

Nov. 16, 2011 8:22 a.m.

Macfarren

"Clearly BYU isn't comfortable in their own skin.
They've been independent now for what, like 10 minutes, supposedly the greatest
decision ever, and yet already they're scrambling to be accepted by another
conference?

Get over it already. Just move forward with the decision
you made and stick with it."

Would you say the same thing about
TCU and BSU.

Clearly, all of the whining of the trolls is based more
on their hatred of all things BYU, than on any valid criticism of BYU charting
its own course and making decisions that are in BYU's best interest.

ESPN/BYUtv > The MTN

AQ status + ESPN/BYUtv > ESPN/BYUtv

Why is this so hard for the trolls to understand?

wwookiePayson, UT

Nov. 16, 2011 8:11 a.m.

When no one in your neighborhood, or the adjacent neighborhoods want you, just
go look at the farthest neighborhood from your house that still plays football
and maybe, just maybe, they will take you in.

Enjoy all the flights
to the east coast. Playing at Rutgers in sleet is very enjoyable. Much more so
than that soft white stuff in happy valley.

RockwellBaltimore, MD

Nov. 16, 2011 8:11 a.m.

ABO

"What teams have those "Big East" teams played? If
they play somebody even remotley good like TCU they will will get beat. Just
like BSU and BYU did."

Except for USC, Oregon, and Stanford,
there's not a team in the PAC 12 that could beat Boise State or Houston - a much
better Utah team got destroyed by both TCU and BSU last year.

GoGetterSandy, UT

Nov. 16, 2011 8:09 a.m.

Truth Machine,

The records don't matter when they play cupcake teams,
just like BYU does this year and next year.

What's with BYU beating
cupcakes and everyone thinks that they are good enough for the NC?

Utah, TCU, Texas...... try those caliber teams on a weekly basis.

EdGradyIdaho Falls, ID

Nov. 16, 2011 8:09 a.m.

No brainer - do it!

LeonardLSandy, UT

Nov. 16, 2011 8:04 a.m.

Why Big East, Utah is in the West why don't we wait until the Pac 12 becomes the
Pac 14? As for ESPN they want BYU because they have fans all over the country,
and they get the TV views that is what advertisers want, ESPN will follow BYU to
another conference.

3grandslamsIowa City, IA

Nov. 16, 2011 8:03 a.m.

I really don't think BYU is going to do anything until there is some stability
in conference realignments and BCS inclusion. Until then, indy is best.

RockwellBaltimore, MD

Nov. 16, 2011 7:53 a.m.

@Wiley Old School

"Ufan, No, we Ute fans think Pitt has a pretty
decent program. That's why they are leaving the Big East."

Spin
it however makes you feel better, but all of the conference ratings nonsense
that Utah trolls have been spewing is based on the CURRENT configuration of the
Big East, NOT on the conference configuration that BYU would be joining.

Common Sense CzarSandy, UT

Nov. 16, 2011 7:49 a.m.

What are they waiting for?? Hoping the bottom half of the WAC will be invited
to insure a 10 win season again??

What teams have those
"Big East" teams played? If they play somebody even remotley good like
TCU they will will get beat. Just like BSU and BYU did.

Ernest T. BassBountiful, UT

Nov. 16, 2011 7:37 a.m.

Big East will be number one in the country every year.

MacfarrenDallas, TX

Nov. 16, 2011 7:26 a.m.

Clearly BYU isn't comfortable in their own skin. They've been independent now
for what, like 10 minutes, supposedly the greatest decision ever, and yet
already they're scrambling to be accepted by another conference?

Get
over it already. Just move forward with the decision you made and stick with
it.

fan32St. George, Utah

Nov. 16, 2011 7:18 a.m.

Don't do it. I just found my snowmobile suit for late Saturday night game with
New Mexico State and it still fits. I could use it next year also. This
independence is the way to go.

JustmythoughtsProvo, UT

Nov. 16, 2011 7:07 a.m.

If Notre Dame football decides the join a conference one day....it would be in
the Big East. That would awesome to have the Cougars, Notre Dame, Boise State,
Air Force etc. all in the same conference.

Frozen ChosenSavage, MN

Nov. 16, 2011 6:33 a.m.

This looks like the WAC revisited to me. Other than Boise St the rest of the
schools in the Big Least are road kill. I would rather have BYU stay
independent than join this irrelevant conference.

Bluecat82Minneapolis, MN

Nov. 16, 2011 6:21 a.m.

Hmmm...playing in a conference with representation in the Denver, Dallas,
Houston, Tampa, Orlando, Hartford, New York, and Washington D.C. markets, among
others?

Plus Boise State?

Plus keeping the ESPN/BYUtv
deal?

Plus keeping our obligations and budding relationships with the
schools of the WCC?

Plus Notre Dame?

Me likey.

KamUteSouth Jordan, UT

Nov. 16, 2011 6:13 a.m.

Wake us when their is news to report.

BlutoSandy, UT

Nov. 16, 2011 6:09 a.m.

It's a long and winding road for BYU.

The opportunity to shed Utah
from it's schedule and create a meaningful rivalry with Boise St. and our
friends to the North is advantage one.

Provided BYU keeps a-BYU-tv, with flexibility b-Some modified version of their ESPN deal
c-Re-broadcast rights and d-The ability to Broadcast their games
live, when they are not picked up by the Major Networks

then...

This could be a good deal for BYU. I suspect they will trade some
revenues for the security of Conference scheduling, BCS access, and a
Championship game in Yankee Stadium.

Unfortunately, this whole ball
of wax is a "Political-Animal".

And the few teams left in
the East, carry alot of political power and therefore the Big East will not lose
their QA status.

Unless, the AQ for Conferences is done away with all
together.

Then what Utah? Your "Phony-BCS-Superiority-Card"
has just fallen, right?

What I find interesting is just how coveted
BYU really is by the Big East schools. They know they need National Brands like
BYU, Air Force, Navy, and Boise to survive. Intersting that even Notre Dame is
on board.

alternateSalt Lake City, UT

Nov. 16, 2011 6:06 a.m.

A lot of talk about travel. What BYU will be in a a 5 game package every year
with BSU, AF, Houston, SMU and Louisville or Cincinati. And then 3 games
alternating with the "eastside". BYU fans in Texas, Florida and the
East Coast are going to love this. Plus with the West Coast Conference ties for
the other sports, BYU will be a going all over the country. A lot of travel but
also a lot of exposure. Heck, BYU could end up playing Rutgers in Yankee
Stadium.

Down the road, it should also open some basketball doors
with home and aways to some pretty good teams.

Great move.

Nice landings for Utah and BYU after the tepid no money years in the MWC.

Y Grad / Y DadRichland, WA

Nov. 16, 2011 5:53 a.m.

So, somehow the traveling in the West bracket of the Big East is supposed to be
worse than the traveling as an independent?

Home and home with Boise,
Air Force, SMU, Houston and Louisville (okay, that's a trip), plus home and home
with three or four east coast teams. Hopefully keep the marquee games already
on the books. I just don't see it that bad.

I still think BYU should
bargain for a position as an independent associate of the conference through
2013. Go for the benefits of playing in the conference without having to
reprint business cards. Who knows how the landscape changes in two years - they
may no longer be an AQ conference, or they may no longer be desperate.

alternateSalt Lake City, UT

Nov. 16, 2011 5:49 a.m.

All the biased and hate talk aside. I see extremely positive elements.

No Sunday play issues. This means that players on women's soccer,
basketball or spring sports will have not have to play Sunday games to maintain
scholarships. This has become a struggle for LDS kids and families who attend
schools that do play on Sunday.

TV scheduling will be readily
available on BYUTV if games are not scheduled by conference contract. This also
includes the hugely popular rebroadcasting of games.

The Western
"division" will greatly elevate the "BCS numbers" for the
Big East Conference as a whole. This will resolve any qualifying issues. Boise
State, Houston, BYU, and Air Force are excellent trades for Syracuse,
Pittsburgh, West Virginia and TCU.

A fourth key point is revenue. BYU
will not need to "buy" their way into the conference. No years of no
money or partial money. This is a huge factor. I still feel bad that Utah got
the bad money deal from the PAC and lowly Colorado didn't.

Finally,
this will also help Utah State who will almost certainly move to the MWC before
the WAC is forced to merge with the Sunbelt Conference.

Hope it
happens.

manutdMilford, CT

Nov. 16, 2011 5:36 a.m.

big 12 may have been worth it but the big least isn't. we can still schedule
boise state, air force, houston, and any other big least team as an independent.
we dont need a conference for that. the only thing this adds is maybe a shot at
the BCS. a big maybe since there is no guarantee the big least keeps their BCS
status going forward. weren't we so high and mighty about the big least being a
joke conference and now we want to join them? i don't get it.

Wiley Old SchoolRIC, VA

Nov. 16, 2011 5:31 a.m.

Ufan,No, we Ute fans think Pitt has a pretty decent program. That's why
they are leaving the Big East.

Razzle2Bluffdale, UT

Nov. 16, 2011 4:52 a.m.

As another die hard Ute I like the comments from Ufan too. The Troll Nation is
an irritating small group that can't stop the hate, from both sides too. Sad
really. Now, we're like brothers from different families.

Since 2004
the Utes have hated that the Big East had AQ status with no ranked teams. We
hated getting Pitt in the Fiesta Bowl and we loved embarrassing the Big East and
the SEC in the in the BCS Bowls.

But, this is not that Big East.
Forget the name, imagine a whole new conference with Boise State, Air Force,
Houston, UCF, and USF. Add a contract ahead of other non-AQ conferences in the
BCS and you have every reason to be excited. I say it's a no-brainer.

atlcougAtlanta, GA

Nov. 16, 2011 4:38 a.m.

I gotta hand it to the Ute trolls on this article, they never let the truth get
in the way of their warped prejudices. BYU has never claimed that independence
was better than a BCS conference. But, it is certainly better than the old MWC.
BYU has always wanted AQ access, just as Utah did. Some fans may feel that
independence is better than an AQ conference, and they may be right. As to the
Big East being ranked behind the MWC, what exactly will the MWC have left after
BYU, Utah, TCU, Air Force, and Boise State have all left? BYU does not change
conferences like they change socks. Grow up, Ute trolls (I don't include all
Ute fans), and lose the assinine statements. You don't have to like BYU. But
if you are going to make an anti-BYU statement, at least try to make it
sensible.

Cowboy DudeSAINT GEORGE, UT

Nov. 16, 2011 4:14 a.m.

To those that think BYU fans will become BCS fans; isn't that what the U did?
2008 is not that long ago. Are you still getting congress to look into it?

Cowboy DudeSAINT GEORGE, UT

Nov. 16, 2011 4:11 a.m.

Join with the condition that we can escape when we get a winning season like TCU
and follow them to a real conference.

wwookiePayson, UT

Nov. 16, 2011 3:36 a.m.

...and if BYU rejects this invitation, the conference will extend an invitation
to Idaho State University.

Louisiana CougarPineville, LA

Nov. 16, 2011 2:48 a.m.

Beats the pudding out of being an Independent!

RationalSalt Lake City, UT

Nov. 16, 2011 2:02 a.m.

@gdog3finally, Travel would not be a huge detriment in this deal. The
league is split in divisions. BYU would be in the west with Houston, SMU,
Boise, Louisville and Air Force. Likely once to TX each year, once to Boise or
AF every year, KY every other year, another east game every year. That isn't
onerous. They did MISS and TX, OR and HI this year. Not that different. Not
that different from UTEP in the ancient days.

The difference is
trading SMU, Houston, Louisville, Boise and AF for the WAC teams. Quite an
upgrade to SOS. Win that conference and a tough out-of-conference game or two,
and a BCS Bowl will be there, AQ or not, undefeated or not. Boise lost this
year and still might make a BCS Bowl. If they did that from the Big East, with
games scheduled when East and Central writers and coaches actually see them,
they'd be a lock, AQ or not.

93 COUGAROrem, UT

Nov. 16, 2011 1:52 a.m.

For those worried about travel, this is exactly what BYU was looking for with
independence. A chance to travel the country to new locations in order to gain
exposure. We all know that playing on the west coast in the pacific time zone
means very few east coast fans ever stay up late enough to watch a game. The
east coast bias is a real thing.

With this move, BYU would get the
best of both worlds. Keep a few local rivalries like AF and BSU while still
getting to travel to the east. It is a win all the way around as long as all of
the mentioned schools join in. The Cougars were going to be traveling a LOT
with independence so that is really a moot point.

The more I look
at this, the more I like it.

Not to mention the fact that the Big
East basketball teams are MUCH better than what the west coast is offering right
now. I think I am more excited for a possible future move for the basketball
team to the big east more than anything.

It all looks good.

I hope we take it!

Go Cougars!

ConferenceofChampionsHerriman, UT

Nov. 16, 2011 1:46 a.m.

Seems like the Big Least is Hemmoraging teams worse than the BIG 12. You have
to ask yourself why dont you?Do you really want to be a part of that?

@I Still Can't Say it"The Big East is on the verge of losing its AQ
status to the MWC."

The only reason that would happen is because
of Boise, TCU, and Air Force, three teams that either are already going to
leave, or aren't going to be with the MWC if this Big East stuff goes through.
Boise and Air Force moving to the Big East will stop the MWC from getting AQ
status and will probably keep the Big East from losing theirs.

souptwinsLindon, UT

Nov. 16, 2011 12:58 a.m.

BYU should take this deal if it really is as outlined in the article. Clearly
the BE really wants BYU since they are willing to let BYU have things their way.
The hangups with the big12 don't apply. If all the West division teams come as
outlined on most sports sites, the BE will keep AQ status. If BCS bags AQ
status altogether then BYU is back where they are now for getting to a BCS bowl
except with better teams on the schedule. Either way is a positive.
Independence may have been the springboard BYU needed to finally overcome
previous obstacles to getting into a BCS conference. To all the Ute fans
trashing this--- Give it up. Enjoy being in the PAC. Work your way up the ranks.
Quit obsessing.

MiPIowa City, IA

Nov. 16, 2011 12:54 a.m.

This is neat, for BYU, if they take it. Still not sure about the contingency
"football only and maybe other sports in the future (basketball)" but
it may be a slightly better move than independence. Maybe. I don't know. That's
up to the brethren.

I like Independence, but I think joing the Big 12 is the best move at this
point.

1. Current talk is the BCS system will move away from AQ to
taking the Top 10/12 teams and a Plus One Championship game. Either way, BYU
has better access because of conference play and title game versus Independent
and having to go Perfect for the season to make the top 10. Joining the Big
East is better.

2. While the competition will be elevated with the
new teams, the level of competition will be just that--competitive, but not
oppressive. BSU will be the toughest game each year.

3. Travel is
irrelevant. BSU, AFA, Louisvill, SMU and Houston are really no further than
SDSU, USC or Washington--not to mention Hawaii. And with those five teams
comprising 1/2 of the league schedule, that leaves only four or five other games
that would be in the East time zone. As an Independent, BYU would be playing
three or four games in the Central or East time zones anyway...so it appears to
be a non-issue.

Take the chance BYU...all is well.

Veritas AequitasFruit Heights, UT

Nov. 16, 2011 12:26 a.m.

Personally, I would take the PAC with byes against Oregon and Stanford.

How big is the TV contract ESPN is delivering to the BYU led Big East?

Veritas AequitasFruit Heights, UT

Nov. 16, 2011 12:16 a.m.

mightymite | 8:38 p.m. Nov. 15, 2011 DRAPER, UT

"I am not
sure if the Big East will even rival the MWC in years to come. BYU has just put
itself in a bad place....."===

Pac invited Utah because
they needed a body.

Big East invited BYU because they needed some
muscle.

Both teams invited because of who they are.

BYU
put out what they wanted, and I am sure that Big East wants what BYU is and
represents.

I hope they don't give BYU a pass on the two toughtest
teams in the conference the first year. That would be disrespectful to the
program.

===

Can we lose the "nobody wants BYU"
now?

If BYU stays Indy, it's because it's best for BYU.

With BYU's and BSU's resume, Big ten will get AQ past 2013, and ESPN will
probably put in a hefty bid for a nationally televised contract.

No
KJAZZ. And probably a much larger $$$ package, without having to hide from
Oregon and Stanford.

Another team would jump and getting the
leftovers, but BYU still will contemplate what is best for the school. Indy is
pretty sweet. Others could not go Indy.

Big RockSalt Lake City, UT

Nov. 16, 2011 12:04 a.m.

I hope byu considers all the miles that they'll put on their HD truck. Driving
out to UCONN, then back to provo, then out to S FLORIDA is going to wear that
poor vehicle out. I'm sure that one of their concessions has to be new tires
every year.

UfanSalt Lake City, UT

Nov. 15, 2011 11:56 p.m.

Troll Nation is in full panic mode tonight, as illustrated by their inane
comments:

"When the ship is sinking, aren't you supposed to jump
off it, not on it? Will the Big East even exist in 2013? BYU bailed on a
conference that is four places worse... blah, blah, blah"

Jealous Utah trolls simply can't handle the truth that BYU, Boise State,
Houston, and Air Force joining the Big East will make the conference stronger.

It's hillarious how quickly Utah fans started trashing the Big East
as soon as BYU was invited to join the conference.

Obviously, Utah
fans never really believed that Pittsburgh was any good - not this year, not
last year, and certainly not in 2004.

It's ironic that they're so
filled with hate and BYU-envy, that they'll trash the opponent of one of the
only two signature wins in Utah history, just to make BYU look bad.

MLHSALT LAKE CITY, UT

Nov. 15, 2011 11:49 p.m.

Y Fans-It finally happened for you, I didn't think it would but I think it is
great for you to be in a conference. Utah fans like to razz you all, just as
much as you Y fans give it back. I think the boys down town are going to look
at this very carefully. I personally cannot see how playing in a conference
that is going to be in 3 different time zones, with a rank being so low that it
would be the best for the Y. I certainly don't know all the facts but the
"economics" of the whole thing does not add up. Atleast 2-3 trips
back east 100 plus plane tickets and hotel rooms(and one of you wants the
championship game to be played in Hawaii) WOW. I have been a very long time
UTE-(over 50 years) I would hate to see our game go away. Utah, Utah State, BYU
should play each other every year, quick bus ride and a discount hotel stay. As
a UTE fan I hope you all get what you want. "I can't believe I just said
that" Good Luck Cougars, Go UTES

gdog3finallyWest Jordan, Utah

Nov. 15, 2011 11:46 p.m.

As a Utah fan, I still found the comments above by 'Flynn is the coolest' to be
funny and right on point.

To Duckhunter, you still have insightful
comments but you are to obsessed with Naval Vet, Chris B. and other irrational
Utes. Look those that are that way won't change for you. Not many listen to
them. I don't. Those that do aren't going to fall on your side of the fence
because you make attempts to call their bluff.

The more we (red and
blue) ignore these guys (we know who they are) the better.

Now moving
on. The Big East has its' uncertainty and bad football rap, but it might be a
good fit for the Cougars. BYU is a power play school in that conference, and
make no mistake, it's far better than independence and MWC.

Traveling
across the country has its' downside. That said, BYU gets diverse exposure (so
to speak). BYU's schedule won't be to tough, yet it stays clear of the poor
opponents scheduled now.

What's in store for 2013 is up in the air.
Still, leaving independence was the right call to me. Play it out? I think not.
Not winnable.

A1994Centerville, UT

Nov. 15, 2011 11:42 p.m.

Lovely. Here we go with the "Our conference is better than yours!"
posts. 1) The Big East (or whatever it ends up being called) is NOT going
to lose its AQ status.

2) If the 'Super Conferences' emerge, this is
the last helicopter out of Saigon. BYU better take it.

3) Who cares
what Chris B thinks? His team has been on a winning streak against the worst of
the PAC 12. Congrats on your team doing their job.

flynn is the coolestSalt Lake City, UT

Nov. 15, 2011 11:31 p.m.

If we join the Big East, can someone please tell BYU and Provo city to not put
up Big East banners lining the streets? It's tacky.

GoGetterSandy, UT

Nov. 15, 2011 11:14 p.m.

Umm... to all you BYU fans,

BYU has not accepted. Be prepared to eat
some crow when they decline it for their "almighty Independence"
idea.

Hang in there Band of Lil' Brothers.

Wayne RoutEl Paso, TX

Nov. 15, 2011 11:05 p.m.

I hope all the players are enrolled in a good frequent flyer program.

phantombladeSalt Lake City, Utah

Nov. 15, 2011 11:03 p.m.

UteFan123

"Utah is 4-0 against Big Least opponents sounds like a
great conference for BYU."

What's Utah's record against Boise
State? Where are Boise State and Houston currently ranked?

Utah
trolls aren't even savy enough to understand that the Big East is undergoing a
complete makeover; comparing records and standings of current Big East members
is meaningless.

Big RockSalt Lake City, UT

Nov. 15, 2011 11:01 p.m.

So in joining the Big East, that means at least 5 long cross country road games
every year. If they don't happen to win most of those, then it'll be tied into
a bowl game like the Beef 'O' Brady's Bowl. I'm sure lots of byu fans want to
go to that!

Riverton CougarRiverton, Utah

Nov. 15, 2011 11:00 p.m.

"And now, we can add the Big East as yet ANOTHER conference who wasn't
interested in the cougars. They want Boise State. BSU can get in all on their
own. They just need to pick up the phone. The cougars on the other hand cannot.
At least not without hopping on the Broncos' coattails.

Make no
mistake Ducky...the Big Least ALREADY voted on who to add. And THOSE teams were
BSU, AFA, SMU, Houston, UCF, and Navy. They DIDN'T vote on the Y"-Naval Vet

"Are byu fans prepared for life with byu football
being the equivalent of San Jose State?

" The continuous articles pertaining to
BYU's acceptance somewhere is all hype and a desperate hope that somebody
"may" like them someday........ which will NEVER be the case."-mgr63

Needless to say there are more examples of Ute fans/BYU
haters saying BYU will never be invited. Guess what happened, guys?

I don't know if they'll accept, but they did get the invite that trolls said
would never come.

midpacmajorSalt Lake City, Utah

Nov. 15, 2011 10:55 p.m.

JohnJacobJingleHeimerSchmidt

"if this really happens just watch
and see how many people pull a 360"

directionally challenged?

MUCH

Utah trolls feasting on crow - gotta love it.

Who am I sir?Cottonwood Heights, UT

Nov. 15, 2011 10:54 p.m.

If it happens, I can only hope you enjoy your first year as much as I have with
our Utes in the PAC-12!! (And hopefully many more years to come for both
programs.) If, as a new member, you have 9 conference games you'll understand
why so many Utes fans do not want to schedule the Y every year! And think of
the opportunity for air miles!

fresnogirlFresno, CA

Nov. 15, 2011 10:54 p.m.

Well, the trolls sure have crawled out from under the bridge tonight. They sound
a bit worried about BYU getting into the vaunted BCS system. Silly.

I
don't know the details of the proposed deal, so I don't pretend to know if this
is a great thing or just flattering. BUT I really do like playing Air Force
every year. I have three teams I always cheer for (until they play each other
and then I have a pecking order): BYU, U of U, and Air Force. I also like the
idea of playing Boise annually. I think that could become a nice rivalry. The
Texas teams and Central Florida would be good for recruiting. Plus, this
Conference would still give the team a chance to travel the nation and let the
back east fans see them live.

Basically, as long as I still get to
watch my boys in blue play, I'm a happy Fresnogirl -- Indy or Conference.

Why is
it so hard to take this at face value? Because it would require admitting that
the BYU brand DOES have national value, even in the middle of a second down
year.

I think some die-hards and some over-intellectuals have
insisted that independence was THE BEST option. Most of us feel strongly that
independence was clearly a better option than staying in the MWC, and was the
only other option.

Now, to the chagrin of the under-the-bridge
crowd, it no longer is the only option AND the cougars are in a position to
dictate terms. The Big East wants us. Boise State and Air Force want us.
Shoot, Notre Dame wants us. I won't even tell you what ideas THAT brings to
mind.

And now it is up to the brethren to decide what is best for
the mission of BYU. I see NOTHING wrong here.

toosmartforyouFarmington, UT

Nov. 15, 2011 10:37 p.m.

@ Chris B

To use your own words, you sir and your predictions, are
"irrelevant."

@ Brave Sir Robin

Keep talking up
the MWC. Now that Boise State, Air Force (likely), TCU, BYU and Utah have
bailed maybe SDSU can win a conference crown, assuming they can beat Nevada
Reno, UNLV, Wyoming, Colorado State and New Mexico. LOL!!

CougFaninTXFrisco, TX

Nov. 15, 2011 10:36 p.m.

BYU would not consider this move without Boise State, and probably the other
rumored schools - AFA, SMU and Houston. It's a package deal.

For
those who say the new Big East will not retain it's AQ status, the new Big East
has the same number of teams in the BCS Top 12 and AP Top 25 as the PAC12.

The new Big East will be stonger than the old Big East. Compare the
records of Syracuse, Pitt and WVU to Boise State, BYU and Houston over the last
five years. Only WVU has played better than .500 football and been consistently
ranked. But their performance is no better than BYU's, and Boise State trumps
anything the Big East is losing. Houston is clearly a better football program
than Syracuse (BB is a different debate).

And to say the new Big East
is less than the MWC is ignorant. In 2010 and 2009, that statement was true.
But without BYU, TCU, Utah, Boise State and Air Force; the MWC is in the same
category as the WAC.

By 2013 the AQ status will be dead anyway. The
BCS will select the Top 10 or 12 ranked teams for BCS bowls.

Luv 2 Troll USandy, UT

Nov. 15, 2011 10:33 p.m.

Independence Is Bliss,

Does sticking with their guns consist of
jumping ship after finding out that big brother got some lovin' from the PAC?

If you join a good conference, any team will not be in any position to
make demands.

If you join a weak conference, you already run the show
because your best team is.. I don't know, Pittsburgh?It's better than
Independence, are you crazy?

This is why:

Big East teams
> WAC teams.

Not that hard to see there.

ClarkHippoTooele, UT

Nov. 15, 2011 10:32 p.m.

Remember back in 2008 when the U of U and thier fans were begging and pleading
to get into a BCS conference?

"Let us in! Let us in!"

Now that Utah finally got their wish, what is their reaction to schools
like BYU, Boise State and TCU joining a BCS Conference.

"Keep
them out! Keep them out!"

Teddy BearLas Vegas, NV

Nov. 15, 2011 10:29 p.m.

@Dave S

Same way it felt for Utah I imagine...

neltzFarmington, UT

Nov. 15, 2011 10:25 p.m.

With BYU's policies & desires (no sunday play, BYUtv) they are not going to
get into a conference that doesn't NEED them desperately. The reason the MWC
allowed them to dictate these terms is because they were the big dog. Big 12
already has a big dog (Texas)...

Now, the Big East...they NEED
BYU...and it looks like BYU could once again be the big dog in their less than
stellar conference. This is the only formula that works. At least this less
than stellar conference has AQ status...and I think BYU can dominate like they
did the WAC and the MWC. I think it's gonna' happen.

Cougs ManSandy, UT

Nov. 15, 2011 10:22 p.m.

I'm confused, I thought everyone wanted Independence?

I'm a BYU fan,
I want them to join the Big East (just because it's better than Independence).

However, will the Big East be guaranteed AQ status after 2013? If we
already have teams scheduled for next year, will they just be replaced? Someone
inform me please. Even though the Big East has horrible teams, it's still better
than the WAC (I mean Independence). Can't BYU join a respected conference?

Independence Is BlissSan Jose, CA

Nov. 15, 2011 10:21 p.m.

Interesting. A BCS conference wants BYU so bad that they are willing to concede
on all of our demands and get their power brokers to lobby hard for us to
join.

Contrast that to the "no money for the first 5 years/it's
not our place to make demands" deal made by another team. I'd wager BYU
could've had a slightly better deal than this in the Big 12, but chose to stick
to their guns rather than being a lap dog.

For the record, I love
Indy, but I will also love the Big East. As long as I get to see my cougs play,
I'm good.

morganhOrem, Utah

Nov. 15, 2011 10:20 p.m.

So I hear reports on here that the Big East is ranked below the MWC, C-USA etc..
Let see they want to add Boise St the best team from MWC, Houston one of the
best from C-USA and then they want B.Y.U. whose jump to Independence as well at
Utah to Pac-12 and TCU to Big-12 made the MWC realize that if they want a shot
at AQ they needed a Boise St. The Big East loses Pitt, Syracuse which has been
down right awful, and West Virgina, but they gain B.Y.U. a former MWC powerhouse
and Boise St. who was king of the WAC and the best from C-USA so it can only
help their bid for AQ status.

Mormon UteKaysville, UT

Nov. 15, 2011 10:15 p.m.

Everybody is making such a big deal about the Sunday play issue. In reality
that isn't an issue with this invite, because it is football only and nobody
plays college football on Sunday. Sunday play only becomes and issue in the
other sports. I think this is a great deal for BYU, but of course as the
article points out none of our opinions really matter. The Board of Trustees
will decide based on their criteria. We'll all just have to wait and see.

CougarOnTheProwlMurray, UT

Nov. 15, 2011 10:12 p.m.

Well looks like our plan is working...Independence was the spring board to
something bigger, that being AQ status. Now it appears BYU will have that if the
Big East deal truely proves to be better then Independance. And as long as it
has long-term BCS AQ status it is. BYU wont join the conference without knowing
for sure that The Big East has long-term AQ status, which all indications are
they will.

bribri86Phoenix, AZ

Nov. 15, 2011 10:10 p.m.

I'm still on the fence. If BYU can have their cake (conference, BCS) AND eat it
too (BYUtv), then go for it. Otherwise, it might be problematic.

buttersSalt Lake city, UT

Nov. 15, 2011 10:08 p.m.

we've heard these reports all season. IF they are true, then congrats byu.
even though i throw the Y under the bus a lot i still believe they deserve an AQ
bid somewhere. too bad it wasn't the big 12 though. you have to wonder if this
means air force and boise will be on board. the way i feel about it is the big
east needs boise more than they need byu (and i don't mean that in a
disrespectful way to byu). however, i look at that "west" division of
the big east and wonder if that will be enough to save their AQ bid. houston is
a good team, boise is a great team and air force is normally pretty solid. byu
will probably improve, but western expansion looks like another stop in the
conference u.s. mountain for byu.

but for the time being, congrats to
the cougars for allegedly receiving another invite.

(would hope it's
true for byu faithful sake, but i'll hold reservations until july 1st of next
year)

REKaysville, UT

Nov. 15, 2011 10:06 p.m.

For all you people who think independence is better and want to try it for a few
years and then decide. Think about it, it may not be there ever again. You just
don't decide to join a conference and decide what conference to join. And for
all you who think it's worse then the MWC, I don't buy it.

Floyd JohnsonBroken Arrow, OK

Nov. 15, 2011 9:56 p.m.

The MWC will not gain AQ status under the current system. The MWC is currently
rated higher, and would take that spot if the decision were made today. However,
when TCU, BSU, and Air Force leave, San Diego State will be the premier
remaining football program. So, Unless Utah, University and Oklahoma and
Oklahoma State decide to join the MWC (or something equally ridiculous), they do
not stand a chance.

CWEBOrem, UT

Nov. 15, 2011 9:46 p.m.

1. The BCS may not exist by 2013. 2. If it does, it may not be including
the Big East.3. This is a bottom feeder conference.4. BYU travel
schedule would be good for 2-3 losses each year, just being that far away on the
road each year.5. All the good teams from the Big East have already
bailed...ever wonder why?

I hope BYU plays it out a few years, this
years schedule was only because it was last second. They'll do a better job of
scheduling down the road. Stay independent!

Building
rivlaries in Big East may be difficult. Louisville and Cinci are probably next
in line for Big12.

I though independence was the best decision
(according to fans and athletic dept). Now apparently independence wasn't such
a great thing.

WinglishLehi, UT

Nov. 15, 2011 9:29 p.m.

I'm completely in favor of this move if Boise State and Air Force go along also.
SMU makes a nice addition because that puts another religious school in the
conference.

I'm also in favor of dropping the Utes from the annual
schedule and having Boise State be BYU's new region rivalry game.

Also,I love the BYUtv aspect this year and being able to watch games online or
on channel 11. I hope BYUtv stays.

BastiatarianTUCSON, AZ

Nov. 15, 2011 9:28 p.m.

NONONONONO!!!We just got out of a mediocre conference and a bad all-around
deal, and the Big East is getting even worse with teams leaving! The Big East
was already worse than the pre-exodus MWC, and with Syracuse, Pittsburgh, TCU,
and West Virginia leaving (TCU was never really there, of course), the Big East
drops from mediocre to below mid-major. Adding Boise State, Air Force, Houston,
and Southern Methodist would maybe get it back to mediocre overall, but again,
BYU already had a mediocre conference. Joining the Big East would just add jet
lag, and regular games against a handful of teams that nobody in BYU's core area
(the west) cares about.Don't trade away opportunity in favor of
security!!!

BYU DUDEProvo, UT

Nov. 15, 2011 9:28 p.m.

To the Utah Trolls the part I loved most is BYU can become a full member down
the Road, Big East Basketball is 10 times better than the Pac 12.

Just a reminder No one has excepted anything yet.

Utah how is that
Basketball thing coming ?

Serenity NowHighland, UT

Nov. 15, 2011 9:27 p.m.

If BYU joins the Big East in football only, I hope its attorneys are ensuring
that the contract/bylaws:1-Give BYU a reasonable exit (no fee and quick
wind-down)if AQ status is lost, since that would be the primary catalyst for
joining;2-Give BYU third-tier broadcasting rights for football games and
no revenue share to the conference for whatever modest revenue BYUtv brings
in;3-Give BYU 2-3 games a year against Big East basketball teams (a yearly
game against Notre Dame and 1-2 against other BE teams); and 4-Schedule
the football conference championship the first Saturday in December in either
Hawaii, Houston, or other warm weather location.

It may seem like a
lot, but BYU appears to have some leverage and can afford to walk away from the
invitation...

souptwinsLindon, UT

Nov. 15, 2011 9:25 p.m.

I find it interesting that the Trib has pulled their articles about BYU to the
Big East. Wonder what that means. Personally, I see a football only situation
working with the west division. The WCC is a decent fit for olympic sports
since bball has a tourney. People want to talk about the big east losing AQ
status which is less of a possibility with the new teams but there's also the
possibility of no AQ's at all. If that's the case, it wouldn't matter which way
BYU goes. Either way you have to be in top 10. We'll all just have to wait and
see what happens and what it will all mean for BYU.

Portland Trail BlazersSandy, UT

Nov. 15, 2011 9:22 p.m.

BYU should go... maybe in 2 or 3 years the Big 12 expands to 12 and maybe BYU
could also get an invite then....

Chris B, I thought nobody wanted
BYU?

DuckhunterHighland, UT

Nov. 15, 2011 9:19 p.m.

Hmmm...well I am still not in favor of BYU joining the BIG EAST, I want to
remain independent for a few years and see if it pans out. That said there are
some very interesting things in both this article and Jay Drews article in the
Trib.

1st of all this article confirms that BYU's discussions with
the Big 12 were ended in part because BYU stuck to its demands. With the Big
East BYU has also stuck with its demands and the Big East has apparently given
in to all of them. Sounds like BYU is in the position to set their own terms.

Also Jay Drews article states Big East officials, along with Boise
St. and Air Force officials have been visiting Provo for WEEKS trying to woo
BYU. Of course I posted last week that BIG East officals were in Tom Holmoes
office the previous week, I knew ot for a fact, but naval vet, who has been
wrong on every single thing about this, claimed they had not. LOL! tomahawk red
claimed the same thing. LOL!

I guess ute "fans really aren't the
best sources for BYU info.

LOL!

NoblepromisePROVO, UT

Nov. 15, 2011 9:14 p.m.

I hope BYU accepts the Big East invitation, as being independent is helping BYU
football program.This 2011 schedule was being in Football Championship
Subdivision (FCS) conference and did not help BYU gain respect among BCS
conferences. BYU independence schedule after 2011 does not looking promising.
The Big East is automatic qualifier conference in the BCS bowl system.
Congratulations to BYU if it accepts the Big East invitation.

spudlydorightMcCammon, Idaho

Nov. 15, 2011 9:10 p.m.

I hope that BYU and BSU both end up the BE. As a BSU fan I am really excited
about the rivalry with the Y and if both are in the same conference so the games
have conference significance so much the better. The exposure for BYU would be
excellent in that they would basically be playing all over the country; I cannot
see it being much better than that.

I Still Can't Say ItHolladay, UT

Nov. 15, 2011 9:08 p.m.

@goodDr.

I'm afraid Chris B is right. The Big East is on the verge
of losing its AQ status to the MWC.

When this happens, the school in
Provo will not be an AQ program and will beg to get back in the MWC. LOL!

Brave Sir RobinSan Diego, CA

Nov. 15, 2011 9:07 p.m.

When the ship is sinking, aren't you supposed to jump off it, not on it? Will
the Big East even exist in 2013?

And before Y fans get too proud
about this move, in your beloved ESPN's latest power rankings, the Big East is
10th out of 11 conferences. The only worse conference is the Sun Belt. The Big
East is behind the MWC, WAC, Conference USA, and MAC. So BYU bailed on the MWC
to join a conference....4 places worse. Yeah, that sounds like a good move.

Enjoy those yearly trips to Connecticut as part of Conference USA v.2.0!

PugmanTREMONTON, UT

Nov. 15, 2011 9:02 p.m.

The true reality of all this is: BYU holds all the cards. I'm sure they'll do
what's best for BYU. The thing that's scary is in 2013 the BCS restructures
everything again. It's hard to say what's best. One thing for
sure....conferences want BYU...but BYU will join on their terms.

BleedRedSandy, Utah

Nov. 15, 2011 8:55 p.m.

If you get the invite, TAKE IT!

Blow off this Independence fantasy

Good Luck Band of Lil Brothers

Floyd JohnsonBroken Arrow, OK

Nov. 15, 2011 8:49 p.m.

And the Big East just lost TCU, shame. That would have been a fabulous schedule.

It will be interesting to see BYU's response. ESPN will have the TV
contract, so BYU will be able to maintain their re-broadcast rights. Sunday play
has already been resolved, otherwise the inviation would not have been extended.
I would presume BYU would also be able to pick up a number of non-conference Big
East basketball (and other sports) games to solidify their programs.

Why 2013? Is BYU concerned about losing that Weber State football contract? Or
are they waiting to join with all of the new teams?

BigSkiesIssaquah, WA

Nov. 15, 2011 8:47 p.m.

This is great news and is very well deserved. I have to admit that my first
post was deleted by the DN editorial staff due to some expletive laced comments
directed at Chris B, Naval Vet, HedgeHog, etc.

Yes, in some ways it's
fun to spar with the Ute horde, but when it comes to the likes of those
mentioned above, I've come to the conclusion that their venomous bias towards
all things BYU will forever prevent any rational conversation. So, to the rest
of the Ute fans that take a more cerebral approach with their BYU rancor, I
think we could actually get along if we simply embraced some common ground...

1. The Utes have an excellent football program and have earned every
right to be invited to the PAC 10.2. BYU has an excellent football program
and the primary reason they weren't invited to the PAC 10 was because of the
religious bias that exists within the voting block of that conference.

Again, congrats to BYU. Even if they don't accept the offer, it will
hopefully stifle some of the rhetoric from the haters, but I'm not holding my
breath.

4BSSt George, UT

Nov. 15, 2011 8:44 p.m.

I like it, the idea of a western conference in the big east, with an automatic
BCS qualifier, is intriguing. I think the Y needs to get in before all the
conference shuffling ends and they're left out for good.

JohnJacobJingleHeimerSchmidtBeverly Hills, CA

Nov. 15, 2011 8:41 p.m.

Ha ha, if this really happens just watch and see how many people pull a 360 and
sing the praises of how good it is to be in BCS conference. It will get
ridiculous the amount of chest puffing.

Wash DC ReaderReston, VA

Nov. 15, 2011 8:41 p.m.

This would be far less favorable than being independent. I'd like to see how
being independent works for at least four to five years before seriously
considering jumping ship to a conference, be it the Big12 or the Big East.

mightymiteDRAPER, UT

Nov. 15, 2011 8:38 p.m.

I am not sure if the Big East will even rival the MWC in years to come. BYU has
just put itself in a bad place.....

Chris BSalt Lake City, UT

Nov. 15, 2011 8:38 p.m.

Lol! Big east will lose bcs bid next evaluation! Lol!

Luv 2 Troll USandy, UT

Nov. 15, 2011 8:37 p.m.

So... what happened to the whole "Independence is the best thing in the
world" talk?

How long should I wait until I expect to hear that
"Conference X is the best thing in the world?" again?

BYU
needs to stick with a decision. They change conferences like dirty socks.

Committed players will soon realize that they will not even know what
conference BYU is a part of by the time they actually get there to play.

goodDr.sandy, UT

Nov. 15, 2011 8:33 p.m.

AQ status is something the cougars will never obtain...Sincerely,Chris B

Tonights special--------Crow

Oh, wait, now AQ
status won't be enough will it Chris???!!

Napolean DynamiteMagna, UT

Nov. 15, 2011 8:30 p.m.

Well schazamm Batman! That sounds like a deal too good to turn down! Let's do
the hokey pokey, turn our selves around and jump on that band wagon!

ClarkHippoTooele, UT

Nov. 15, 2011 8:27 p.m.

As a Cougar fan I say, the Big East is better than independant. Games against
Air Force, TCU, Boise State and SMU will be much, much better than games against
Idaho, San Jose State and New Mexico State.

Could BYU do better than
the Big East? I would say considering their "No Sunday Play" rule,
their LDS affiliation and their TV deal BYU Television, playing in the Big East
in football and in the WCC in all other sports is about as good as BYU can
expect at this juncture.

If BYU tells the Big East, "No
Thanks," I will be very interested to find out why.

JNALayton, UT

Nov. 15, 2011 8:26 p.m.

Great...now we can go 2-10 every season providing we schedule Idaho State and
Idaho. If not, we may go 0-12 while our basketball team gets to stay in the very
exiting WCC...it is too bad that Coach Rose and his players got pushed under the
bus.

Jeff29Cedar City, UT

Nov. 15, 2011 8:25 p.m.

This article was posted 35 minutes ago, and there are no Ute Troll postings yet
-- weird.

Still not sure how I feel about a move to the Big East. It
will be interesting to see the details.

LVCougNORTH LAS VEGAS, NV

Nov. 15, 2011 8:22 p.m.

MWC < Indy < Big East in the proposed alignment. I'll take it.

id_blueEagle, ID

Nov. 15, 2011 8:19 p.m.

So if BYU gets everything they asked for AND the AQ conference then perhaps this
is not so bad, no?

UteFan123Sandy, UT

Nov. 15, 2011 8:18 p.m.

Utah is 4-0 against Big Least opponents sounds like a great conference for BYU.
I would worry about losing AQ status in 2013. If you look at ESPNS power
conference rankins the BE is 8th behind the MWC and CUSA and is with their power
schools Syracuse, Pittsburgh and West Virginia.

I guess the powers
to be of the BCS needed to form a conference that the BIG12, PAC12, BIG10, and
SEC can use to prepare for their coming seasons.

Remember BYU fans
the Big Least does not have a tie in to any of the BCS bowls so when the BE
loses its AQ status in 2013 it wont really matter

54-10Salt Lake City, UT

Nov. 15, 2011 8:17 p.m.

Though Ducky and all the other BYU "fans" have talked endlessly of the
greatness that is idependance, here comes all the gushing about the Big Least
and how it is, in realty, the strongest football conference in America.

GO

Jimmy JamesSalt Lake City, Ut

Nov. 15, 2011 8:16 p.m.

Wow. It looks like it's going to happen: BYU to a BCS conference. I don't see
any way BYU turns this down. Congratulations!

chubbuckidahocougfanChubbuck, Idaho

Nov. 15, 2011 8:15 p.m.

Sorry Chris B-Looks like BYU has been invited to a BCS conference. You must be
going crazy in your Mom's basement with anger, dissapointment, and gnashing of
teeth. It appears there is a BCS conference that wants BYU-so according to your
earlier premise that BYU is not relevant because they are not in a BCS
conference-you will now have to re-examine your premises why BYU is not
relevant. I'm waiting......

metamoracougmetamora, IL

Nov. 15, 2011 8:09 p.m.

I'm beating Chris B to the punch. Hmm . . . Somebody wants the cougs.

Go 4 the goldOrem, UT

Nov. 15, 2011 8:00 p.m.

After looking at November schedules BYU should jump at this opportunity.Not the roughest road to a BCS game in the Big East either.Good
opportunity.